Late BRP(RC) applications -- need advice

[clapton61]

Hello all,

I am on a Tier 2 visa, and my BRP, which was issued in 2016, was stolen in September.

I reported the theft immediately, and the email from UKVI informs me that I must re-apply within three months or face a fine or lose permission to stay in the UK. For various reasons I may not be able to file my application until January, which would be four months after the theft. (I will be applying in person.)

Does anyone have experience with late applications for BRP(RC)? Is a delay in applying typically punished harshly?