LCWRA backpack query

weeyin78
weeyin78 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
in Start here and say hello!

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum & appreciate any guidance provided.

I was migrated onto UC from tax credits in Feb 2024. Due to an ongoing health condition, I was advised to provide fit notes.

My GP did provide me with these, unbroken from Feb 24.

I had a sudden notification I was to have a WCA in June 25, I filled out the UC50 & had a telephone assessment early Aug 25.

Yesterday, I recieved a notification to say I had been placed in LCWRA. I honestly had no idea this was a thing as no one had ever mentioned it before, the first I knew about it was when I was told I was to be assessed. I now no longer need to provide fit notes as per my decision letter.

The notification said they'd contact me if I was to be awarded any backpay.

My question is how is this worked out & in your experience, would I be due any backpay for the period before my telephone assessment? The fit notes I provided to UC were continuous since Feb 24. I really do not understand the whole process if I'm being honest.

I appreciate any advice & guidance than can be provided.

Also have to mention the assessor was lovely & very understanding & patient with me.

Thanks in advance.

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Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,036 Championing

    LCWRA has a waiting period of three full assessment periods, from the date the first Fit Note was handed in. No money is paid or subsequently owed for that period.

    What date did you report the health condition?

    What date was your first Fit Note?

    Were there any gaps in handing in Fit Notes, any that were backdated etc?

    It is the date they are given to UC that counts, not the start date written on them

    Do you claim with a partner who gets LCWRA, or have Transitional Protection on your claim?

    Finally what is your UC assessment period or payment date?

  • weeyin78
    weeyin78 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener

    Hello Kimi, thank you for your time, I appreciate it.

    My health condition was reported on my UC application, this was Feb 24. I declared this under health conditions.

    My first fit note was reported to UC in Feb 24, as at my 1st meeting at JC to prove my identity, the work coach advised me to do so. My GP has given me fit notes consecutively since then, with no breaks, each with a 12 week period on them. I have declared these to UC as soon as I have them.

    Its a joint claim, my partner works, with no health conditions reported. I have not seen Transitional Protection stated anywhere on my claim.

    My assessment period is the 6th-5th of next month.

    No one has ever mentioned LCWRA to me until I was informed that they were sending me a UC50 in June 25.

    Thank you so much!

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,036 Championing
    edited August 30

    Just picked up you've been handing in Fit Notes since 2024 is that correct?

    In which case there definitely should be some backpay for LCWRA element, assuming there were no gaps in Fit Notes (this would impact the start date if waiting period).

    So after three full assessment periods dating from first FN, you should be eligible for LCWRA element payment.

    Even though you've received a decision, UC now need processing time to calculate backpay and put LCWRA onto your claim going forwards.

    Backpay is calculated separately and this usually takes several weeks at least. You'll know when this has been done as a letter will be added to your Journal, stating the amount owed.

    Payment will then be paid within a few working days.

    Because of the LCWRA element, you now have a work allowance on your claim, unless you already have a dependent child?

    This is the amount of money your partner can earn before UC make the standard deduction.

    It's £411 if you get Housing Element, £684 if not.

    So you may be owed some money for this too, the above advice about it taking time, a letter being added to your Journal etc applies to this too.

  • weeyin78
    weeyin78 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener

    Sorry, I've checked, date 1st note given was 16/02/24.

    I just looked back on my journal to confirm.

    Thank you

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,036 Championing

    I've just edited my previous post with the relevant information ☺️

  • weeyin78
    weeyin78 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener

    Kimi, thank you so much, you've made it all so much clearer for me.

    I really do appreciate your time & help so much.

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