Work capability

Alex260617

Hi everyone, I've been successful in recieving the higher rate for both parts of PIP. 

Please can anyone explain how the work capability works I've filled the forms out in April still no appointment and I provided evidence. 

I had a call from my GP Friday to say universal credit has been in touch asking for information but the address given didn't match what they had for me which is correct as I've moved but not moved GPS so if I tell them I've moved I have to move doctors and I didn't want the head ache. 

I've had 5 sick notes now but not sure what is happening or how much extra a month people recieve etc

calcotti

There are long waits for assessments. If found to have LCWRA you get an xtra £354.28/month (from the fourth month after you reported the health condition).

Alex260617

@calcotti so if I first reported this in August 2021 is it from that date? Or when I consistently put a sick note on each month so from March 2022 if that makes sense? 

poppy123456

As calcotti has advised, it's from the date you first reported the health condition but you must have continued to send in fit notes without any gaps until a decision is made on your WCA. If there's gaps in your fit notes it may affect when the extra money is paid from.

Alex260617

Ok that's fine, it will be from March then  

Alex260617

Is it same sort of questions as PIP? 

poppy123456

The criteria for LCWRA is different to PIP. You can see the descriptors here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

Awiddup13 said:

Ok that's fine, it will be from March then  

If that was when you sent your first fit note then that's when the waiting period will start from. There's a full 3 month assessmenr period waiting time and the extra money is paid from the 4th month. So it will be July or August the extra is paid from.

Alex260617

I've still not had my appointment but i rang them yesterday and advised ive been successful in claiming higher pip for both elements and they asked for proof and a copy of my assessment report so hoping i dont have to go through it all over again and it stresses me out talking about it

Alex_Alumni

Let us know when you hear more @Awiddup13 and reach out if you feel we can help with anything.

What do you find helps you to de stress when you need to?

Alex260617

Just a quick question. If successful and I recieve pay. Is the pay from March, April, may, June, July and August or will I only be paid from July onwards if that makes sense 

poppy123456

As previously advised

poppy123456 said:

The criteria for LCWRA is different to PIP. You can see the descriptors here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

Awiddup13 said:

Ok that's fine, it will be from March then  

There's a full 3 month assessmenr period waiting time and the extra money is paid from the 4th month. So it will be July or August the extra is paid from.

When it's paid from exactly will depend on the exact date you sent the fit note in March and the dates of your assessment periods. Or when you usually receive your payment each month.

Alex260617

Thanks @poppy123456 was just confused as my work coach is telling me it will be from March but I will take your advise and thanks for your help, I've never claimed anything in my life before I had my own estate agent but fell on hard times. 

My friend said to me once your only one pay cheque away from being bankrupt and he was correct  

poppy123456

LCWRA will be awarded from March yes but the waiting period of 3 full assessment periods will apply before the extra money is paid.

Alex260617

I have just been told my appointment is on the 5th September which is still ages away. Just so i am clear my assestment period will be from March - June and any money owed is awarded will be from July, August & September?

poppy123456

Awiddup13 said:

 Just so i am clear my assestment period will be from March - June and any money owed is awarded will be from July, August & September?

It will depend when exactly in March you sent the fit note and what date you usually receive your payment each month. The waiting period is 3 full assessment periods.

Alex260617

I get paid on the 18th of each month and my assestment period is 11th-12th i did sick note around 6th march

calcotti

So you reported your condition in February to March. The waiting period is therefore from March to June. The first LCWRA payment would therefore be due from the June to July period payable on 19th July.

Alex260617

Why doesn't it get back dated like pip does? 

poppy123456

Awiddup13 said:

Why doesn't it get back dated like pip does? 

Because as we advised, there's a full 3 month assessment period waiting time. As UC is paid 1 month in arrears it's then paid from the 4th month. The waiting period applied to the old ESA too, so there's no difference there.

When the LCWRA element is awarded

In most cases, the LCWRA element is awarded after a 3 month waiting period beginning on the day you provide medical evidence. If it takes longer than 3 months to carry out your Work Capability Assessment the element you are awarded will be backdated to this point and you will be paid any amount owing. 

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Long-term-health-condition-or-disability-Universal-Credit

Alex260617

I have my appointment by phone on the 5th September.

L_Volunteer

Good luck with your phone appointment @Awiddup13. How are you feeling about it at the moment?

Please feel free to let us know how you get on with it. We are all here for you