Universal Credit LCWRA group

[recoveryishard]

I have just received my letter from UC putting me in the LCWRA group (don't have to look for/ prepare for work) but am confused about the payments. I understand it's an extra amount each month but I wondered if anyone knows how they backdate it? It is from when I started putting in my sick notes? Or is there a waiting period? The lady on the phone said it would be back to when I was first off but looking online I'm getting g conflicting information?

Any one with experience of the process?

Thanks.

Anyone?

Hi OP,

There is a three-month waiting period for the LCWRA element of UC.

So, if your letter date is for example, yesterday, 14th November, you will have to wait until your next assessment period is completed. Your letter should detail when your LCWRA is due from. You'll have had three months at the single/couple allowance. Effectively, it will be four months from the date of your claim.

So does that mean I get nothing for ten first 3 months? I'm very confused as the woman on the phone said it would be backdated to when I started my claim?! May ring again to find out x

I'd certainly ring again & check. But there is a three-month waiting period for the LCWRA element.

As far as I'm aware, now you have had your confirmation letter it will paid in your next assessment period. What does your letter say?

It just says I have been put in the LCWRA group and will get an extra x amount each month and if they need to backdate it they will let me know- I was under the impression they backdated it from when Went off sick?

Under UC, entitlement is ascertained from when you submitted your form. The three-month waiting period is the time it takes to assess. If the assessment takes longer than 3-months, then it will be backdated. .

A client I worked with was entitled to single persons allowance for three months. The LCWRA element was awarded three months after his claim date. This was paid in the fourth month of the claim. It was not backdated.

Well I claimed in June and have just had my letter so must be due some back payments. the woman on the phone obvious got it wrong then! So confusing and annoying!

Gosh how annoying :(

It will be backdated to the 14th week, so if you've been on since June you should be backdated to September/October

For ESA if you were in the support group (it’s the same thing just in legacy benefit language) you did not get the additional premium till after 13 weeks so it sounds nichvthe same.

They backdate it to the fourth assessment period after you started handing in sick notes.

It's not backdated to the start of the claim , it has always been the case that there has been a 13 week 'assessment period' on ESA and it is the same on UC. The only way you would get the LCWRA backdated to the start of a UC claim is if you were already on esa prior to going onto Uc and had been awarded the support group.

@Babyroobs - yes. Thats the current position. As far as I'm aware, the three month waiting period still applies. It's where many disabled have lost out as in the old ESA if one was awarded the support group amount it would be back dated to the start of the claim.

That’s not correct about esa being backdated to the start of the claim. There was a 13 week wait.

yes I agree- It has never been backdated to the start of the claim, always to the 13th week only. Everyone starts off on the assessment rate whether on ESA or UC ( although on UC you may get other elements depending on your situation )

I stand corrected - 13 weeks. Some assessments took longer than 13 weeks so there were some backdated payments. Thanks for clearing up.

Ok thanks everyone! The woman on the phone said it would be backdated to-when I first opened my UC claim!!! Think I'm going to ring again and complain, I was never told about the assessment period in any appointments at the job Center or when I was handing in sick notes. I've been struggling financially and have borrowed a lot from my parents and was hoping to pay it back but looks like I won't be able to 🙄

A lot of the call handlers are poorly trained unfortunately ( and overwhelmed).

From my memory when I helped a family member
apply for ESA It’s 13 weeks on the assement rate which is £73 a week approx ( same as JSA )
Once your assessed you get the higher amounts if applicable depending if you are in support group or the other group

So if it takes 16 weeks to be assessed you will be backadated the higher amount for weeks 14 15 16 onwards
This was for ESA and not UC

Ive recently been awarded limited capability for work and work related activity, they recieved my medical information mid march I eventually had my heath assessment over the phone on the 30th of September!!!! Then I received my decision on the 6th October awarding the limited capability for work and work related activity rate, they state any money owed would be backdated i should hear within 7 working days, they don't mention about what you will receive extra each month either, no idea what I'm due to be back dated and what j receive each month ,

@Sunnysara86. Did you get you backpayment ?

@Sunnysara86, in my experience, people who are unwell enough to get LCWRA are usually entitled to PIP as well, so I'd suggest you apply for PIP if you're not already getting it.

There's some good free advice online about completing the form, although imo it's worth investing £20 in the subscription to Benefits & Work as their guide is excellent.