I didn't forward consecutive fit notes from when I sent WCA form. Will this effect backdated payment

Redwan83Helpmeplease
Redwan83Helpmeplease Community member Posts: 6 Listener
edited December 2021 in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi All, 

 Need help please, I recently was awarded the LCWRA element on UC. The question I need help with is, if I didn't forward consecutive fit notes from the moment I sent the WCA form away in April Till December 2020 when i was finally awarded it. Will this effect me being backdated to when I first provided my fit notes?
Many thanks

Comments

  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    it could do.
  • Redwan83Helpmeplease
    Redwan83Helpmeplease Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    Thanks calcotti, any chance if you could point me to relevant gov docs please, have been scouring the net to no avail.
  • nikimarie
    nikimarie Community member Posts: 17 Listener
    Hi, I’ve also just been awarded lcwra, I put 1 sick note in back in January 2020 and I’ve been back dated from April 2020. Unfortunately they send any back dated money to debt management this take an extra 2 weeks they told me. 
  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    edited August 2021
    Thanks calcotti, any chance if you could point me to relevant gov docs please, have been scouring the net to no avail.
    Put me on the spot with that.

    I found this guidance lodged in the House of Commons library
    http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2020-0646/92._Medical_Evidence__including_Fit_notes_v6.0.pdf
    A self-certificate is a declaration made by the claimant that they have a health condition or disability which limits their capability for work. Self-certification is the minimum acceptable evidence required for up to the first 7 days that a claimant is unfit for work.

    For any further days the claimant is unfit for work they must provide acceptable medical evidence if they have not already done so.
    I admit I am struggling to find the regulation that would mandate continuity of Fit Notes. However the principle is that if you don’t have a Fit Note (and haven’t yet been assessed) you are deemed Fit for Work which breaks the continuity of the period of illness.

  • Redwan83Helpmeplease
    Redwan83Helpmeplease Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    calcotti said:
    Thanks calcotti, any chance if you could point me to relevant gov docs please, have been scouring the net to no avail.
    Put me on the spot with that.

    I found this guidance lodged in the House of Commons library
    http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2020-0646/92._Medical_Evidence__including_Fit_notes_v6.0.pdf
    A self-certificate is a declaration made by the claimant that they have a health condition or disability which limits their capability for work. Self-certification is the minimum acceptable evidence required for up to the first 7 days that a claimant is unfit for work.

    For any further days the claimant is unfit for work they must provide acceptable medical evidence if they have not already done so.
    I admit I am struggling to find the regulation that would mandate continuity of Fit Notes. However the principle is that if you don’t have a Fit Note (and haven’t yet been assessed) you are deemed Fit for Work which breaks the continuity of the period of illness.

    Thanks for the help calcotti makes sense in what you have said. Just couldn't find regulation that mandates continuity of fit notes as well. Must just come down to the case managers discretion. I will fill you in with the outcome once ive found out.
  • Redwan83Helpmeplease
    Redwan83Helpmeplease Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    nikimarie said:
    Hi, I’ve also just been awarded lcwra, I put 1 sick note in back in January 2020 and I’ve been back dated from April 2020. Unfortunately they send any back dated money to debt management this take an extra 2 weeks they told me. 
    Hi nikimarie
     Thanks for the info. Did you get backdated to April 2020 straight away or have to challenge as I did ?
  • nikimarie
    nikimarie Community member Posts: 17 Listener
    I got back dated straight away after 19 months of waiting and 2 telephone assessments.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    Redwan83Helpmeplease said:..Must just come down to the case managers discretion. 
    The degree of difficulty may also depend on the length of any gaps.
  • Redwan83Helpmeplease
    Redwan83Helpmeplease Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    nikimarie said:
    I got back dated straight away after 19 months of waiting and 2 telephone assessments.
    Hopefully they'll get back to me with some good news, thanks for your help.
  • Redwan83Helpmeplease
    Redwan83Helpmeplease Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    calcotti said:
    Redwan83Helpmeplease said:..Must just come down to the case managers discretion. 
    The degree of difficulty may also depend on the length of any gaps.
    As nikimarie stated her length of gaps were longer than mine and yet she was dealt with differently. I think the degree of difficulty depends on whos dealing with it. Thanks for your help.