LWCRA Payment

sjred

I receive my Universal Credit on the 4th of each month. I received it on the 2nd December this month due to the 4th December being a weekend but it was only the standard allowance not including the LWCRA component.

I first gave medical evidence showing I could not work on the 3rd August 2022 but the sick note was valid from 29th July 2022.

From what I could work out, 3 months from the 29th July 2022 would be the 29th October 2022 so I thought I would at least receive it this month, if not November, but that hasn’t happened.

When should I expect the LWCRA element?

poppy123456

They don't usually accept a backdated fit note. Did you report your health condition before sending the first fit note? If so what date did you report the health condition?

The waiting period is 3 full assessment periods and then it's paid from the 4th month after you reported your health condition, providing you sent a fit note within 7 days of this.

Based on the information you gave your waiting period will be Aug to Nov. LCWRA starts from AP Nov to Dec and first payment will be January 4th.

sjred

I didn’t report it prior to the 3rd August 2022 so let’s go by that date.

This is what confused me on the Work Capability Decision letter:

When you will be paid

In most cases, you will be entitled to LCWRA payments from 3 months after the day you gave us medical evidence showing that your condition means you cannot work.

The medical evidence may have been either fit notes or self-certification of a health condition that lasts up to 7 days.

Surely, considering I gave medical evidence on the 3rd August 2022 that would mean I would be entitled to LWCRA payments by 3rd November 2022. Or am I misunderstanding? Seems the wording on the letter is very unclear if so. 😞

poppy123456

You are indeed misunderstanding it. As i advised, it's 3 full assessment periods. Your assessment periods are 29th to 28th of each month. You reported your fit note on 3rd August, which is after the start of the July/August assessment period so that month doesn't count.

Although it was a backdated fit note, they are not usually accepted.

Therefore your waiting period is Aug to Nov and the LCWRA element starts from AP Nov 29th to Dec 28th and first payment is 4th Jan. UC is paid 1 month in arrears.

calcotti

You take 3 months from when you reported the condition which as you say takes you to 3rd November. You are then entitled to be paid the LCWRA for the next full AP which will be roughly 28th Nov to 27th Dec which is payable on 4th January.

sjred

Thank you both for your time and assistance explaining it to me! Will have to wait until next month in that case - have a good night all!

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @sjred. It is the very least you deserve.

How are you feeling about having to wait until next month? We are here for you and listening to you if you would like to share more with us.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you