Q about LCWRA Payments

thorn06
thorn06 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi, I was hoping someone could help answer my query regarding LCWRA payments. I've messaged UC through my journal but they don't seem to be providing very clear answers.

I provided my first fit note to UC on 16th Nov 2022, and was referred for a LCWRA assessment on 3 Feb 2023, and had my assessment on the 12th April 2023, before receiving my LCWRA award letter on 25th April 2023.

I did not send any evidence form to LCWRA before my assessment as I was too unwell to complete this, but they reassured me at the assessment that this wasn't necessary, and was still awarded LCWRA. 

Is the LCWRA paid 3 months from when evidence was first received (i.e my first fit note provided on 16th Nov 2022), or a different date? I'm confused as to when I can expect my first payment, and would anything be paid in arrears for this period?

I'm also due to be starting a new job on the 10th July 2023, which will be 26 hours a week. I am also awarded PIP with the higher rate on both daily living and mobility. Will this affect my LCWRA payments, or would I still receive anything in arrears? 

Any help and clarity is much appreciated, thank you.

Comments

  • thorn06
    thorn06 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Just to add, my most recent message from UC stated that as my award letter was received 25th April 2023, then "it will still be a while before the payment is processed". This has left me a bit confused as I have no idea when or how much to expect to receive. 
  • thorn06
    thorn06 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Again, to further add my UC assessment period is from the 13th to 12th each month. 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,456 Championing
    If the 16th Nov was the same date you reported your health condition then your waiting period will be.. Dec to March.. LCWRA starts from AP 13th March to 12th April and first payment will be 19th April.

    If you had the decision letter on 25th April i would expect the LCWRA element to be included since your May payment. Has it been included? It will increase your maximum UC entitlement by £390.06/month.

    The above advice assumes you're not claiming UC with a partner that already receives the LCWRA element on your claim.

    When you start working you'll need to make sure you report a change of circumstances and tell them you're working. You will have the work allowance, which means a certain amount of earnings received each month will be ignored before the 55% deductions apply. If you claim for help with the rent it will be £379/month, if you don't it will be £631/month. Full details here. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-work-allowances/universal-credit-work-allowances

  • thorn06
    thorn06 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    poppy123456 said:
    If the 16th Nov was the same date you reported your health condition then your waiting period will be.. Dec to March.. LCWRA starts from AP 13th March to 12th April and first payment will be 19th April.

    If you had the decision letter on 25th April i would expect the LCWRA element to be included since your May payment. Has it been included? It will increase your maximum UC entitlement by £390.06/month.

    The above advice assumes you're not claiming UC with a partner that already receives the LCWRA element on your claim.

    When you start working you'll need to make sure you report a change of circumstances and tell them you're working. You will have the work allowance, which means a certain amount of earnings received each month will be ignored before the 55% deductions apply. If you claim for help with the rent it will be £379/month, if you don't it will be £631/month. Full details here. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-work-allowances/universal-credit-work-allowances

    Thank you very kindly for your reply. I haven't received any LCWRA payments yet, hence my confusion. I've sent another message to UC in the hope they'll be able to clarify why I haven't had a payment yet and when I can expect it. 

    I will be sure to report my change of circumstances on the day I start my new job, thank you again. 
  • Angie15479
    Angie15479 Online Community Member Posts: 8 Listener
    Hi I’m on UC and LCWRA I was awarded it last April I had my phone assessment on the 13th April 2022 and received my award letter on the 15th stating I will receive LCWRA . This was from 17th August 2021 when I made my application. I received £1396 back payment and because I get my UC paid every 2 weeks I received my first LCWRA payment with my UC 2 weeks later. And every two weeks ever since. And I got a continued claim due to covid so I’m awarded LCWRA until further notice. If you’ve received your award letter you should receive another one about 2 weeks after that telling you from when your award runs from and too. And what your payment will be as well as anything else you are entitled to such as 3 months back payments or whatever it is you’re entitled to.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,456 Championing
    Angie15479 said:
     If you’ve received your award letter you should receive another one about 2 weeks after that telling you from when your award runs from and too.
    That's not correct. You only receive one decision letter. There's no end date to LCWRA because it's on ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise.

    If there's any money owed once they've recalculated your past statements you'll receive a letter telling you how much money you've already received, how much you should have received and then you'll be owed the difference between the 2. It will tell you how much is owed and then be paid into your bank. Very often this can take quite a few weeks.

    Not everyone is owed money so there will be no letter after the decision letter in those cases.

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