UC50 form deadline extension

Hi bahern,

It is in your interests to complete the form as you are giving " your version of events" in so far as you are making a case for why you should have LCW or LCWRA.
Procedurally the telephone agent was correct as can be seen from the statement below from the DWP to an Advice Agency.

"Would it be possible to clarify what the correct process is, and what steps an adviser should take if they know the UC50 will be late to ensure that time is allowed for it to arrive?"

A: When a WCA referral is made, claimants are issued a UC50 with a supporting letter (UC51). The letter covers what the claimant needs to do, by when and the impact of not doing so. If the UC50 isn’t returned by the end of week three, a final reminder is sent advising when it should be returned by and what the impact of not doing so is.

If the UC50 is returned by the deadline, this is noted on the IT system used to manage WCA referrals and the case proceeds to the next stage. If it isn’t returned by the deadline, the IT system automatically returns the case to DWP. This cannot be prevented from happening, even if the claimant contacts to say they are having difficulties returning it by the deadline.

However, if that contact is direct with DWP, we will note their difficulties in their UC account so this can be taken into consideration should this return to DWP for action by a Decision Maker. There is also a section on the UC50 for the claimant to record reasons why they may be returning it late.

If the claimant has a mental health condition recorded in the IT system, the case does not return to DWP. It is retained by CHDA and proceeds to assessment.

For cases returned to DWP, a DWP Decision Maker will contact the claimant to ask why they haven’t returned the UC50 by the deadline. Any reasons given by the claimant will be considered (including any notes covering difficulties meeting the deadline). If good reason is given (or the questionnaire has landed since the case being returned to DWP), the referral will be returned to CHDA. As part of considering reason for late return, a claimant may be given further time to return the UC50.

If the UC50 has been returned late and the Decision Maker accepts reasons for returning late, the completed UC50 is returned to CHDA to consider clearance on using the UC50 and any other supporting evidence. If it cannot be cleared at this stage , CHDA may, if consent is given, contact the claimant’s Doctor or other Health Care Professional for further evidence. Alternatively, they will proceed to scheduling for an assessment.

If the Decision Maker deems no good reason has been given for the late or non- return of the UC50, a decision to treat the claimant as capable for work will be made. This decision is notified to the claimant and has the usual reconsideration and appeal rights.

David