Hi! I've been waiting 9 months for a UC50 decision. Shouldn't it be done in a reasonable timeframe?

Sh4d0ws87

Can anyone help me I’ve been waiting 9 months for UC50 decision and still nothing does it not have to be done within a reasonable timeframe ? 

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

There are no fixed timescales and they are taking a long time in many cases 

You don't mention if you have had your assessment yet that is where the big delays are 

After assessment it takes around 8 to 10 weeks for the decision 

Try calling the assessment company to give them a nudge 

Sh4d0ws87

I’ve called and was basically told off saying Universal credit shouldn’t be telling you to call us . And no I’ve not even been for assessment yet been waiting since December 2020 

Sh4d0ws87

I’ve chronic pancreatitis and really bad mental health problems amenity and depression. they have had my file since December 2020 uc 50 I’ve also applied for pip may 2021 and nothing from either 

janer1967

Unfortunately you are not the only one in this situation 

All you can do is wait Unfortunately 

Sh4d0ws87

Ok Thankyou for your help 

poppy123456

HI,

Janer is correct, there are delays for assessments. The longer delays for some people could be because some people need face to face assessments, as they have now started back up people are being contacted slowly.

Telephone assessments are continuing for some people but they seem to be quicker than the face to face ones.

I claimed UC for my daughter in January and had her form about 5 weeks later. That was returned and her appointment for the assessment was by telephone at the very end of June. The decision was made a week later.

You can try ringing the Health Assessment Advisory Service (these are the ones that do WCA's) to see what the status of your claim is. See link for contact details. https://www.chdauk.co.uk/

For PIP there's also huge delays and DWP are estimating about 10 months for a claim.

Cher_Alumni

Hello and a warm welcome to the community @Sh4d0ws87

I wish we could give you better news, but I'm afraid both PIP and UC systems have experienced increased demand over the last 18 months (in addition to other difficulties brought about by the pandemic), so many decisions are taking much longer than usual. 

You mention that you have some mental health conditions, are you managing these okay at the moment and do you have enough support?  I realise waiting can add to anxiety but I hope knowing you aren't alone makes it a little easier.

Just to advise: I've amended the title of your thread and moved it to our UC category to help others spot it who may have the same question.  Take care and please ask away with any other questions.

abbyk41

Two or three years ago I applied for that it took well over a year before I got a decision I did get all money backdated and I didn't have a phone assessment it was done on paper I believe but yes that was before covid to  pip I applied in March this year it took a month for them to get my paper work I had phone assessment last week do that's my time scales