Health Assessment etc with UC

moonlit
moonlit Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited March 25 in Benefits and income

Hi, due to anxiety issues I had to complete a UC50 form back in December 2024, I recieved a 3 month Fit / sick note from my GP which ended 10th March. I had my health assessment with UC on the 18th March and I am awaiting the outcome for this. I also have a routine appointment 3rd April to speak with and hopefully gain a new fit Note.

My question is this:- if I am awarded the lcwra, how long would i have to wait till I find out if i passed this and when would i likely see any additional financial help etc? Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Moonlit

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  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 4,526 Championing
    edited March 22

    Standard timescales after a WCA are 12 weeks for a decision. Some only wait a few days, others weeks or a couple months.

    If you are eligible for payment, there is a waiting period of three full assessment periods. No money is paid or subsequently owed for that period.

    This dates from the first Fit Note, unfortunately as you have had a break in Fit Notes this will delay the start of the waiting period. As the Fit Notes have to be given to them continuously. A backdated Fit Note won't help, as the date you hand in Fit Notes count, not the date on them.

    A few questions, do you claim UC with a partner who gets LCWRA themselves?

    Do you have Transitional Protection on your claim? If so, how much please?

    (Transitional Protection will be on your payment statement if you do get it).

  • moonlit
    moonlit Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    HI Kimmy, thanks for your reply, it was much appreciated.

    Here are the answers to your follow up questions.

    1. I am a sole UC claimant (i.e currently no partner etc)
    2. As far as I'm aware, i do not have a transitional protection on my claim.
  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 4,526 Championing

    Then you should be eligible for payment if found to have LCWRA.

    Unfortunately as I advised due to the break in Fit Notes this will delay the start of the waiting period.

    Are you able to request the next Fit Note a bit sooner online with your surgery or by phone?

  • moonlit
    moonlit Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    Thanking you again for your reply.

    I Was unable to request it sooner as the GP required a follow up / routine appointment and due to all appointments being filled they could only fit me in on the 3rd April.

    I'm Hopeful things will turn out all right for me in the end. During the health assessment their nurse?? Asked I was asked if okay to recieve post as I should hear back about my benefit entitlement, wasn't sure if this was just a standard comment or if this was a hint at what might come my way.

    Kindest Regards

    Moonlit

  • moonlit
    moonlit Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    Update: had a notification message in my journal today, I have been placed in the LCW group.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 4,526 Championing

    If the decision was LCW, then no extra money is paid and you will be expected to engage with a Work coach. Although they can't force you to apply for jobs, you would most likely have to do work preparation activities.

    You can request via your Journal a copy of the assessment report.

    These are the descriptors for LCWRA:

    https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

    Information about appeals:

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-benefit-decisions/challenging-a-decision-by-the-dwp-or-hmrc/challenging-a-benefit-decision-mandatory-reconsideration/

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