r/BenefitsAdviceUK

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice from anyone familiar with Universal Credit, WCA and especially LCW → LCWRA reassessments and backdating.
I’ve been on LCW for around 3 years. My health significantly deteriorated in 2023 following major surgery, and I reported my worsening/new health problems to Universal Credit on my journal at the time.
The problem is that my WCA reassessment was never actually completed.

Over the following years, I repeatedly contacted UC and chased the reassessment/referral because I knew it hadn’t happened. On multiple occasions, I was told by DWP/UC that I had been referred for a WCA and that the referral was being dealt with.

However, this turned out not to be the case.
Eventually, after repeatedly chasing them, I was told/advised that the referral had not actually been made. This was effectively acknowledged by DWP, despite me previously being told that I had already been referred.
The reassessment is now finally progressing. The assessment team have contacted my GP for medical evidence, and I’ve been told that I will either have a telephone assessment or potentially be assessed on the evidence provided.
Some important points:

● I never completed a UC50/UC90 form for this reassessment.
● I repeatedly reported my deterioration and chased the missing referral/reassessment.
● I was repeatedly told by UC/DWP that I had been referred, when it later became clear that the referral hadn’t actually been completed.
● DWP have now acknowledged that the referral wasn’t done and the process is finally moving forward.
● My main physical problem is severe mobility impairment following bilateral knee injuries/surgery.
● I have significant difficulty walking and cannot walk anything close to 50 metres reliably.
● I receive PIP at the enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility.
● I have medical evidence relating to my physical problems, including investigations showing significant ongoing knee problems.

My main questions

1. If I am found to have LCWRA, is there a possibility that it could be backdated to when I originally reported the deterioration/change of circumstances in 2023, rather than only from the date of the new WCA decision?

2. Does the fact that I reported the change years ago and repeatedly chased the reassessment, while DWP failed to actually make the referral, strengthen the argument for backdating?

3. Does it make a difference that I was repeatedly told by DWP that I had already been referred, only for it later to be acknowledged that the referral hadn’t actually been made?

4. Does the fact that I never completed a UC50/UC90 matter, particularly if I was never properly sent/completed one and the assessment team are now obtaining evidence directly from my GP?

5. If the decision maker awards LCWRA, would they normally consider the correct effective date automatically, or should I specifically ask them to consider backdating?

6. If they award LCWRA but refuse to backdate it, how strong could a Mandatory Reconsideration be if I have journal messages showing:
   ● I reported my deterioration in 2023;
   ● I repeatedly chased the WCA referral;
   ● I was told the referral had been made;
   ● and DWP later acknowledged that it actually hadn’t been done?

7. Could anyone explain what actually determines the LCWRA effective date when someone has been waiting years for a reassessment because of an apparent DWP administrative failure?

8. Has anyone here had a similar situation where DWP failed to make a WCA referral, repeatedly said it had been done, then eventually admitted it hadn’t, and subsequently awarded LCWRA? If so, were you able to get it backdated?

9. Does receiving enhanced PIP for both components have any significant relevance to the WCA/LCWRA decision or the backdating issue?

I’m particularly interested in hearing from anyone with actual experience of LCW → LCWRA backdating after a long delay caused by a missed/failed WCA referral, or anyone who understands the DWP rules around the effective date.

Thanks in advance.

For context:

Final year, mature nursing student living in England, studying in Wales.

Cohabiting, not married.

I have only worked bank since the beginning of my degree.

My partner's earnings put them in the 40% tax bracket, mostly on paper. Their actual take-home is a little more than average, like occasional M&S snack money, not M&S full weekly shop money.

Newborn baby.

I'm confused, and no one seems to be able to clarify, advise, or say anything other than "no, sorry, can't help/not eligible."

These are all the things I've been told:

Nursery for 2 days a week so I can continue my studies is approximately £8,000 a year. Intense placement requirements and then a theory block mean I can only realistically work bank, which makes me a worker, not an employee? Which means no maternity pay.

Nursery fees at 9 months are a godsend, but I don't qualify because I'm not in contracted employment. However, someone mentioned 16 hours a week, which I more than do at university when on a theory block, and 38 unpaid hours when on placement. I also work bank around 18 hours a week. We have managed to cover the first 3 months of nursery for when I'm due to resume uni in September, but it's not sustainable.

I was told we would qualify for child benefit but would be heavily taxed on it.

Not entitled to student grants because of my partner's earnings. Can't claim anything extra for SFE because I study in Wales, and vice versa from Welsh student finance.

I don't qualify for maternity pay because my work is irregular and I haven't earned the threshold for a certain time frame. During placements, we are required to work whatever we're told to work. Sometimes 7 weeks of nights, sometimes 9-5 or long days, which are a joy when back-to-back because you can then work. Most rotas are unhinged, meaning fitting in bank work is nigh on impossible, so I tend to smash work during academic breaks and use the money to live on during placements.

Yes, we live together, yes we have a joint account, but that is for joint bills. I contribute what I can when I can, my partner takes on the majority (Legend! Although it was agreed before my degree that once I'm qualified and earning, I would be expected to contribute equally and then a smidge more whilst they level out their finances). I pay my own bills, car, phone, etc., and personal expenses. I personally am broke. Like, barely covering my outgoings. I've looked after myself and worked since the age of 15.

For the haters, yes, I know having a child mid-degree is a bit daft, but that's a whole other, utterly wonderful story. No, I don't want handouts. I just want to know how to navigate working/child care and if there's anything that will help.

My only option seems to be to leave my degree to get a contracted job, but then I've wasted everyone's time and owe tuition, and I'd need to earn more than the cost of nursery fees to make it make sense. It's not like I could not work at all because my partner's earnings mean I wouldn't qualify for the dole or whatever it's called these days.

I’ve never applied for it before but I struggle with severe ibs which flares up basically everytime I leave my house , i was wondering if I got given a face to face assessment whether I could ask to change that to a phone call?

I have recently been awarded PIP, however I have received a small back payment. I called them on 19/08 and the agent advised that the back payment was dated from 12/08 hence the small amount however on the ‘statement of entitlement’ letter it says my claim date is 19/06 so shouldn’t my back payment be from 19/06 and not the date in August when my claim was accepted?

Hello,

I'm from England and I have my PIP assessment is coming up, it's a phone call and I wanted to ask what kind of questions I'll be asked/ if there's anything I'll need to have on hand before the call

I have pip and lcwra, also starting university in England next month and will be moving out.

The student accommodation is a private partner of the university so does that mean I can get housing element, my finance situation does depend on it. My Lha rate is £775

Whats the best excuse for missing an appointment. I just charged my phone and realized I missed my UC appointment on Tuesday. What can I say to avoid a sanction ?? Please help cause I do need this money

what qualifies you for LCWRA?

I'm in England.

Just wanted to post my experiences of my first UC Review as I know from frequenting the forums that they make the majority of us nervous! (And to be honest, reading through posts obsessively probably does little to help ease that as every situation is different and you tend to read worst-case/panicked posts – shoutout to the Mods who always try to give sound advice).

I've been on UC since May 2022 but always worked. Awarded LCWRA in March 2024 due to Cerebral Palsy and mobility but still work on contracts when I can get WFH roles or I freelance which gets reported to UC each month.

Timeline:
– I received the message about my first review on Tuesday, August 11th at 1.10pm.
– By 7pm same day, I uploaded everything (proof of tenancy, bank accounts for my four accounts, including savings + ISA and explained my small self employment went through my current account as opposed to a business one (for now). They wanted 4x months.
– Message in my journal 4 days later at 8.30am on Saturday, August 15th explaining my review call would be at 9.30am today, Wednesday, August 19th. (I got reminders by text and in my journal yesterday and confirmed I could take the call.)

The call:
The agent called at 9.30am on the dot and was lovely. Explained everything, said I could stop at any point to ask questions, then went through my housing and details in my current UC claim (and the health element which I said remained the same), I confirmed they were correct.

She then moved to the bank statements. She queried wage payments, small refunds that came in from places like Picturehouse, payments made to my credit cards (all transfers she could trace). Clarified my self employment (I had explained on my journal) and asked me to verify all my utility payments, including who I paid energy to (British Gas, quarterly - even I took ages to locate it on the statement).

She then asked if I'd any other income from crypto, housing or investments etc.

Then my self employment. She went through a recent declaration and my expenses. I had put 50% expenses only for things like phone and broadband rather than the full amount because I use both for business as well as personal use - she said this was the right thing to do and thanked me for doing it correctly as self employment aspects can often be so messy. I confirmed I would remain self employed going forwards, especially as it's my only income at the moment.

She then said all fine, that she'd need no other information and did I have any questions. I asked about the £6k every AP with wage deductions (for my own knowledge) which she explained but never even mentioned capital or current amounts in my bank accounts or asked why I bought things.

She told me the review was all great and that I'd receive two messages in my journal: one confirming what we spoke about and the next to say the review was complete with no changes to my UC.

At 10am on the dot I had the message in my journal saying the review was complete!

I was sick for the week with the nerves of it but it was so easy in the end (it probably helped that the agent was on the ball).

She said the same about my not being reviewed for 6 months minimum, but interestingly said they are trying to see if everyone can just be reviewed yearly as she felt the 6 month thing was crazy (likely due to how many they have to do).

The main thing I'd advise is submit everything right away: savings, ISA, current accounts and go through statements with a fine-tooth comb beforehand so you know what every transaction is (I knew she'd ask about the bigger ones but she looked at smaller refunds of say £15 too which surprised me). If you submit everything there's no back-and-forth before or after the call with anything extra needed and you'll be done within 30 minutes.

Mine was done in literally a week all in so I got lucky as I know some are waiting weeks or months.

Good luck everyone, the review calls really are fine!

I've just received a random text message from UC saying I have a new to-do, I am on LCWRA it's asking me to 'Check and confirm your claim details' is this a sign of something nefarious? I've never to my memory had one of these before and been claiming UC since 2018 - I could be wrong, and it's something I have done before (I have memory issues) it's just caused a massive spike in anxiety as it seems completely out of the blue.

So I’m a recent survivor of bladder cancer that unfortunately cost me the main function of my bladder my cancer specialist has given me the paperwork for universal credit and GP signed off, I’ve applied for Job seekers as my previous job role is no longer suitable due to commute and medical needs conflicting and will be out of work until I find a employer suitable.

Waiting for that to kick in but currently seeing job centre who have been less than helpful and my GP is pushing me to go back to work, I want to but not sure I’m physically capable yet, with the routine bathroom visits and mobility struggles.

My parents (who I have a strained relationship with) have suggested I try to just off benefits all time, but been told by advice that’s not possible or safe, and I’d honestly hate to do it, I’m considering volunteering again when I’m more physically capable as I had done so with a hobby group until my diagnosis and treatment.

I’m not sure what would affect me, I’m not sure what I’m allowed to do and not sure if advice I’m given is correct.

Hello, I lodged my pip review appeal on the 31st March 2026, does anyone know what the waiting timescales for a hearing are for the Surrey area?

Hello I'm new to this so please be patient.

I'm on newstyle esa and pip.

Would my wife be entitled to careers allowance

.thankyou

I'm (23f) an EU citizen with settled status. I just finished my master's in the UK and live in England with my boyfriend (24m) of 1 year (he's on a graduate visa, soon to switch to a skilled worker visa). Even though we live together, all our expenses are separate and we keep everything 50/50 (rent, groceries, bills, council tax).

I am actively looking for a job (both in my field and in retail/hospitality) to support myself; however, I do not know how long it will take me to find a position. I have some savings, which will last me 2 months max with current flat expenses, even if I am very careful.

I was trying to apply for council tax reduction or Universal Credit (given that I have worked a year full-time previously), but in every form, living as a couple with someone who is earning makes the benefits I could get inaccessible.

Given that my partner does not support me financially, can I claim I am living with a roommate? We are renting a one-bed flat, so I'm not sure how credible that is.

Or are there any other solutions for my situation?

Thanks!

As far as I understand it, being placed into the LCWRA group means I should receive an additional amount on top of my normal Universal Credit, and that this should be backdated once the relevant waiting period has passed.

My first fit note (I have provided consecutive sick notes before the expiry since) was on 3 February 2026, and my Universal Credit assessment period runs from the 14th to the 13th of each month. I was officially told that I had been placed into LCWRA on 13 August 2026.

It has now been about a week since the decision, but I haven’t received any journal message or information explaining:
when the LCWRA element will actually be added;
how much I am owed in backdated payments; or
when I should expect the arrears to be paid.

I’ve sent two journal messages asking about this but haven’t received a response yet.
Based on my understanding of the rules, I believe I may be owed the LCWRA element for June, July and August, although I appreciate that because my LCWRA decision was made on 13 August, which is also the final day of my assessment period, August may not be included until a later assessment period.

I’m mainly posting because I’m unsure whether this is normal. I was expecting some kind of journal message or calculation explaining the arrears after the decision was made, and the lack of information is making me worry that something has gone wrong.

I’m also quite unwell at the moment, so I’d really rather not have to phone UC and chase this up if it’s simply a case of them taking a while to process the payment.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi all, England here.

2 years ago my claim was closed for failure to provide bank statements. I reported a change of earnings late, got hit with an overpayment and fine (that im still paying off) and then they requested my bank statements. I didn’t give them.

Fast forward to now I’m on carers allowance and really struggling financially. I am a full time carer for an elderly parent. I’m mentally torn between:

not claiming UC again because I can’t be bothered to deal with the stress of being asked for bank statements and wondering what they’ll say if I reapply and they notice my claim was closed for refusal to give them back then (would they ask to see those from 2 years ago? would they ask why I didn’t give them? would they ask to see some from now at the application stage? would my overpayment debt be an obstacle?)

OR

Claiming money I believe I am entitled to that would alleviate my financial situation. I think my monthly could go from the £345 I’m currently getting to £600? It would certainly help, and I’ve also been told my work commitments would be nonexistent, so no appointments or anything like that.

Please can someone advise. I’ve been thinking about whether or not to reapply for UC every day for months now.

I’ve just received the bundle from DWP and I have some questions.

Am I supposed to counter each point they make? EG they state I have no input for fatigue ergo there’s no evidence and fatigue is discounted. Should I counter that by pointing out medical letters stating fatigue? Or that’s its part of my diagnosed condition ?

As for other evidence… I’ve recently been awarded a blue badge. How much weight will that have given that my PIP claim started in October? The delay is a mixture of being unwell, stress at work with medical appts and PIP appeals etc. There’s only so much a fatigued person can do.

Thanks in advance.

TLDR; Grandma passed unexpectedly, intended for money to pass down to children and grandchildren, but didn't sort all of her affairs before dying. So officially her surviving child is the only inheritor.

Will her being on means tested benefits mean she cant divide up the money based on my grans original intentions?

Myself, nor my grans other grandchildren have ever received any benefits

Based in England

So my grandmother died unexpectedly overseas in Jamaica (where she lived), and left two houses.

According to her will, the proceeds from the sale from the houses were meant to be passed down to her grandchildren (with amounts specified) and the rest devided equally between her son (my uncle) and daughter (my mother).

My uncle passed away before my grandmother.

According to the lawyers in Jamaica, my mum is the sole proprietor of the properties.

My mum is on means tested benefits, Universal Credit, Council Tax reduction and housing benefit.

My mum is also a fulll time carer also manages my sisters finances as she has a learning disability and is on non means tested benefits (PIPand disability allowance).

I am not on ang benefits personally.

Im assuming it would be considered deprivation of capital if my mum devides and of the house sale proceeds according to my grandmother's will? As the proceeds will defintely take her over 16k.

We dont have a copy of the official will, we have a copy of it from 2005 before my uncle died. We also know my grandmother's intentions because that's what she told us, but as far as I know it wasn't documented anywhere.

Im trying to avoid any family disagreements over money.

Also should I accept now that Im not entitled to inheritance based on the UK system? I dont want to inherit if it ends up impacting my mother long term.

It's a bit stressful for me trying to figure out two legal systems, and manage things for my family across borders, so pls be nice to me lol.