Time period for decision makers outcome

Bella123

I am new to the benefits system so any advice appreciated. I began my claim for universal credit on January the 4th this year after becoming ill and having to leave my job. I submitted a fit note on the 6th January and have continued to do so every month since then. I had a telephone assessment for my ability to work on the 25th March which lasted 20 minutes??? is this normal?? So it has been 8 weeks today since the assessment and still no decision. How long should it take? The assessor sent my medical report to the decision maker on the 26th March. I have contacted UC but no one appears to know anything. What is the point of sending notes from your GP stating you are unfit for work if no one takes any notice? Sorry for the long post. I am so frustrated and anxious.

Bella123

Hi there. New to the site. I am hoping someone can give me some advice about waiting times for a decision following a work capability assessment on universal credit and the need to keep submitting fit notes. I am new to benefits and I am confused by the whole system. Thanks guys

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

There are no fixed waiting times but the estimate 7x around 8 weeks droends on workload and backlogs 

Once you have a decision you will no longer need to provide fit notes 

Hope your not waiting too long 

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @bella123 Many people find the process anxiety-inducing, so you're certainly not alone in feeling this way. 

From my understanding, 20 minutes is quite a reasonable length of time for a WCA. Times can vary between claimants of course. This doesn't indicate an outcome either, but it might suggest that your assessor was able to glean a lot of the information they needed from your paperwork.

Unfortunately waiting times can vary depending upon a number of factors, as Janer1967 has mentioned. They do predict around 6-8 weeks but some people do end up waiting for a few months. It hopefully won't be too much longer until you get a decision. Please do keep us updated.

Bella123

Hi again guys
I finally got awarded the LCWRA Yesterday. It has taken 3 months from having the work capability assessment and from providing fit notes since January. I believe this has been resolved due to me pestering for answers and stating that I would appoint someone elseto deal with the claim on my behalf due to the stress caused. My case was escalated that day (Friday) and was resolved Monday. I would advice people to push for answers. Ringing the UC helpline was pointless as no one there seemed to understand the procedures and could not give any advice. Good luck to everyone who is trying to claim this sick pay that we are actually entitled to. Now I will have to see if this extra money will be taken away in other ways ie: council tax etc.

janer1967

Great news for you and thanks for sharing 

Money will only be taken away if you have any debt to dwp and then you can challenge it 

It shouldn't affect council tax why do you think this council tax is 0aid to your local council not dwp