lcwra time scale

jojojojo19

hi there, been handing in fit notes since April 2020. finally got the uc 50 form in December 2021 , which was recieved by them 29th December2021, they asked for more info from my Gp, which my surgery never received but when i rang assements they said it wont impact the claim, i rang today to see if any update and was told they are still in decision making on to wether to go ahead with an assesment or not. Any ideas on how long this will all take, its really impacting my anxiety , depression and overall mental health state. thank you

poppy123456

There are huge backlogs of people waiting for work capability assessments. 

For you, the reason it’s taking so long is because you didn’t receive the form until 8 months after sending your first fit note, which is rather a long time. 

Most people have assessments through telephone, some have face to face assessments. Paper based ones are rare but possible. Nothing more you can do but wait unfortunately. After returning the form some wait several months for an appointment. 

jojojojo19

thank you poppy for your quick reply!

happyfella

I was asked to fill in the form many months ago but i refused. I explained to them that it would cause me too much stress. My medical team said that i should fill it in but i said no. I was not going to put myself through that stress. then out of the blue they contacted me the other week and said that after receiving details from my doctor that i did not need to fill in the forms. They said that i would have a telephone interview. So, i had the telephone interview and within a few days i got a decision. I got a letter saying i would receive another letter within seven working days to tell me if any money was due. Then on the 10th day i got a call saying that i was owed £4,500.

To be honest I am in shock. You hear a lot of horror stories and I have experienced that with PIP, but i am pleasantly shocked with how I have been treated. I refused to fill in the forms because it would cause me stress and i have to be careful not to get stressed, and they took it upon themselves to work on my behalf.

Now with the backpay, it will allow me to get equipment for my home that will allow me to keep safe.

jojojojo19

Wow that's a fantastic outcome happy fella. And so good that the money will help in your day to day life 

Tori_Scope

I hope that you don't have to wait for too too long @jojojojo19, as I can appreciate the effect this might have on your mental health. 

Are you receiving any support to help you manage your anxiety and depression at the moment? 

jojojojo19

Hi Tori . My oldest son is a great help with me bless him. Hopefully not to much longer and hopefully a good out come 🙂

Tori_Scope

I'm glad to hear that @jojojojo19 It's great to have the support of family members! 

Have you spoken to your GP about your mental health at all?

jojojojo19

Hi Tori. Yes I am on medications 😊

hughiemachrins

I know all areas can be different but I thought I would give you my experience. I put in my UC50 form in August and I have just heard that my telephone assessment is next week. So around six months waiting time. Sorry!