Universal Credit and LCWRA

Largs

Hello, wonder if someone would know the answer as I am a bit confused.

I have been claiming UC due to illness and gave them my 1st fit note from 18 July.  Last month I was assessed by medical services and was decided I have LCWRA.

My letter says;
In most cases you will be entited to LCWRA payments from 3 months after the date you gave us medical evidence showing that your condition means you cannot work.  The medical evidence may have been fit notes or self sertification of a health condition that lasts up to 7 days.

I asked the Universal Credit Helpline why this months payment did not have any LCWRA payment added and they advised they won't start until December.  Where I am getting confused is because 3 months after the date I gave medical evidence (18 July) is 18 October.

Any help would be appreciated.

Yamor

You get the LCWRA element from the AP which begins after the 3-month period ends. I don't know the dates of your APs, but assuming it starts before the 18th of the month, then you would only get it from the AP beginning in November, and will be paid in December.

(But note that the 3-month period begins from when you first reported the health condition to UC, not necessarily from the date on the fit note.)

Yamor

Also note that if you (or your partner if you have one) have any earnings, and you don't have any children, then you will now also become entitled to the "work allowance", and that should be backdated to the AP which included the 18th July.

Largs

Hi.  Thanks for helping.  Its just me on the claim, I notified the UC system I was sick on 14 July and I get paid on the 12th of the month, but my November payment was just the standard allowance.  I think its just a badly worded letter maybe.

Spoonie_Turtle

So you notified them within the July/August assessment period.  The element is payable from the 4th full AP since notifying them, so
 Aug/Sept, Sept/Oct, Oct/Nov is your waiting period,
and LCWRA element payable starting in the Nov/Dec assessment period.

Largs

Many thanks both.  It's clearer now.