Limited capability to work

[Catmama123]

Hi this is a long one but I'll try and keep it brief while giving all the info needed.

I had a LCW assessment with a doctor 1 week ago so although I have not had a decision yet I'm hoping you can help me with some questions. I have a lot or evidence including psychiatrists reports saying I'm not fit for work.

• I claim as a single person
• I started submitting fit notes 30th may 2023
• my daughter turned 3 in November 2023
• I've supplied consistent back to back fit notes since may 23'
• I've only just been sent the forms to apply for LCW, I didn't know this was a thing before.

I've done some looking into it and it seems there's something about payments being backdated to 4 assessment periods after you submitted your fit note is this correct? Also does the fact my daughter turned 3 in November (which is the age UC expect you to be in work) have any part to play in when it would be backdated to?

I also have no idea how long a decision will take to be made but the dr did say hopefully around 4 weeks.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

There are three possible outcomes from your assessment.

1. They find you fit for work. As your child is aged 3 you would be expected to look for some work.
2. You are awarded LCW ( Limited capability for work ). This means they consider you not fir for work now but can take some steps to improving your chances of finding work or preparing for work in the future. With this you may need to attend some work focused appointments with your work coach but not expected to work currently.
3. You are awarded LCWRA ( Limited capability for work and work related activity ). This means you won't be expected to look for work or undertake any work related activity, they basically leave you alone and you get an extra £416 ( new rate since April 2024, less for the months prior ) per month on your Uc claim. If awarded this it is backdated to the fourth full UC assessment period after you started to hand in sick notes so you would get significant back pay.

Obviously everyone wants option 3.

The UC 50 form is meant to be sent to you after 29 days of handing in sick notes so they were pretty delayed in sending it to you.

Thank you for your reply that's really helpful. I'm hopeful that they will have all the info they need to show I'm not fit for work (however much I wish I was) this would really help take a weight off as times are very tough right now.

I was also surprised that I wasn't told about it sooner, I spoke to my work coach around every 2/3 months as he would make an appointment to check in and he never mentioned it which is disappointing but I'm happy the ball is now rolling.

Thanks again

Can you claim child disability element if you are on limited capability to work?

Yes, as long as the child receives dla or PIP