LCWRA - When is the awarded date from?

lillylovely93

Hi all I hope everyone is well!

Not getting much help with UC so I hope anyone can enlighten me!

Recently been awarded LCWRA, change is health submitted on the 22nd of February, received letter award given on the 15th of May. Now I understand payment doesn't start from the 4th months because the previous month are assessment.

However when I called to ask how long the award was from. I was told from the 22nd of February my award is from for 8 months. 

This has confused me so much! So i will have a reassessment in mid October, seem pretty early but was told because its my first award. 

If I have been awarded from 22nd of February then surely I would get some backpayment? 

Also because a change of circumstances has happened can I apply for a advance, its for child care? Anyone no how much this is?

Thanks xxx

calcotti

Some things that are not clear.
Was February the first time you reported a health condition? Or had you had a previous health assessment?
Where are you getting the idea that you will be reassessed in October from?

lillylovely93

Yes February the first time I reported a health condition. I asked how long is my award for and was told for 8 months, asked when my award date from and was told February... so I guess 8 months from Feb is October. 

calcotti

So you are treated as having LCWRA from 22nd February. This is not the same as being entitled to receive the LCWRA element (extra money). If you were already receiving UC you will get the extra money in the fourth or fifth payment after this date (it depends on your payment date).

The eight months will be a marker on the system to review your case from that point. With current backlogs it is likely that you will be left alone for longer than that.

lillylovely93

Thanks for replying calcotti

Ah right I understand, i have been receiving UC prior. 

What about the change of circumstances advance, could I can apply for it?

calcotti

lillylovely93 said: What about the change of circumstances advance, could I can apply for it?

I believe you can. See 
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances

You can apply for a Universal Credit advance:

• before you get your first payment

• if you are already being paid Universal Credit and have told us of a change in your circumstances that means you will be paid more Universal Credit but have not yet been paid the increased amount

calcotti

I think UC also have access to a Flexible Support Fund which can be used to help claimants pay childcare costs upfront and I think payments from this fund are not repayable. It may be worth asking about this although I suspect you might not meet the criteria for this as it would not be helping you into work.
http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2021-0349/62_Flexible_Support_Fund_v8_0.pdf

If you hoping for ongoing help with childcare costs have you checking eligibilty?
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-childcare/universal-credit-childcare-guide#qualifying-for-universal-credit-childcare-costs

lillylovely93

Ah thanks so much calcotti!! So much information!! Thanks again!!!