Lcwra

Delidi

Hello I've been awarded lcwra as I am having treatment for cancer. When I read about the 3 month wait does this mean when I do get my payment it will include those 3 months or do the payments just start after those 3 months? Thanks Diane

nannytone_2

Fot ESA You are paid at the assessment rate for 13 weeks.
From the 14tg week you also⁵ receive lcwra element
For UC it's from the 4th assessment period

Spoonie_Turtle

Your UC payments will be the standard rate and whatever other element(s) relevant to your circumstances.  The LCWRA element will start from the 4th full assessment period after reporting your health condition.

Incidentally if you didn't already have the work allowance, you do now (effective since reporting your health condition) so if you have any earnings, an amount will be disregarded before they start taking deductions - this applies to SSP as well, in case that's relevant to you.

Delidi

Thanks for your replies. I was working I finished December and get ssp I've had 2 payments so far January and February and yes was allowed to keep some before they started deductions but I thought everyone got that and I'm confused as to why the 3 month wait ? What is it they are waiting for? Also while I'm here lol how is ssp earnings? It's money I'm given because I'm not earning! And I guess when I get the lcwra I'll lose the money I can keep at the moment? Thanks Diane

poppy12345

The waiting period applies to most people. SSP is classed as earning for UC, although you're not actually working it's still earnings.

The work allowance only applies to those that have been found to have either LCW or LCWRA or they have children on their claim. If you don't have children on your claim then you wouldn't have had the work allowance previously. Therefore they will owe you some extra money.

Delidi said:

I guess when I get the lcwra I'll lose the money I can keep at the moment? Thanks Diane

No, that's not correct. The LCWRA element of £343 is extra in your UC payments each month.

calcotti

Delidi said:

..I'm confused as to why the 3 month wait ? What is it they are waiting for? ..

You have to wait because that's what the legislation says. It's not them waiting, it's you waiting.

Delidi said:..Also while I'm here lol how is ssp earnings? It's money I'm given because I'm not earning! 

It's money paid to you by your employer related your employment so is treated as earnings.

poppy12345 said:..The work allowance only applies to those that have been found to have either LCW or LCWRA or they have children on their claim. If you don't have children on your claim then you wouldn't have had the work allowance previously. 

For claimants who have declared cancer and relevant treatment they do often (and should) get the WA applied from the start because they are automatically entitled to be treated as having LCWRA although DWP still issue UC50 to get the cancer page completed as verification.

Spoonie_Turtle

calcotti said:
For claimants who have declared cancer and relevant treatment they do often (and should) get the WA applied from the start because they are automatically entitled to be treated as having LCWRA although DWP still issue UC50 to get the cancer page completed as verification.

Oh that's good, makes sense but it's still a pleasant surprise to hear they do that.

Delidi

Thank you all so much so I think I'll get my lwcra payment April of £343 on top of what I get aleady ? That's something I suppose still confused about the wait as my treatments started early January but I've now got a clearer picture of what my income will be in the upcoming months thanks all.

calcotti

Delidi said:

..still confused about the wait as my treatments started early January..

As already advised the wait is simply because the legislation says that you cannot be paid the extra money for at least three months after reporting your health condition. Most people have to wait much longer because it takes so long to assess them. Claims by most people with cancer receiving treatment (and some other illnesses) get processed faster because there is a presumption in your favour that you have LCWRA.

poppy12345

Delidi said:

Thank you all so much so I think I'll get my lwcra payment April of £343

Whether it's paid from April will totally depend on what date you reported your health condition and the dates of your assessment periods. (or when you usually receive your UC each month) This is because it has to be 3 full assessment periods and then it's paid from the 4th month.

Delidi

Yes it just seems unfair that anyone with any illness has 3 months with out the extra financial help or doesn't get the payments backdated to the start of the illness when the assessment is completed.