Going from LCW to LCWRA group help

shheah
shheah Community member Posts: 6 Listener

Hi,

First post here, let me explain my situation…

I'm on the higher rate for PIP but I'm only on the lower rate for the LCW group. I believe I should be in the LCWRA group.
I was sent a form to review my claim (UC) in March but upon calling them to say the form would be late, the lady seemed quite vague about things and said I wasn't to worry about the date and to just get the form in when I could.
I've since had family bereavements so I haven't felt like dealing with it all yet but I feel now might be the time.
I hate filling in these types of questionnaires, as a lot of people do and I'm not really sure what I should do next? For my PIP assessment I didn't actually get the form in on time and I ended up having the telephone interview without ever filling the questionnaire in.
Since I seem to have slipped through the gaps (no further correspondence from the DWP and no telephone interview in place) what should I do? I'd prefer to forgo filling out the form and just do the telephone interview, as I find it easier to express things to a person, rather than in writing.

Do I request a new form? Do I call the DWP and request an interview? is that even possible?

Any help GREATLY appreciated!

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 61,856 Championing

    It sounds like you have very likely got a vulnerable marker on your file. This means that they can continue with a review even without returning the forms.

    If there wasn’t a vulnerable marker on your file then not returning the work capability assessment form would mean you could be found fit for work.

    The assessment providers have recently changed. If you know who does them in your area now you can ring them to ask for an update on your review. If not, this link will help you find out who does them in your area. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-your-health-assessment-provider

  • shheah
    shheah Community member Posts: 6 Listener

    Thanks for the prompt reply. What exactly does vulnerable mean? It's Maximum, I'll give them a call tomorrow to find out what's happening.

  • shheah
    shheah Community member Posts: 6 Listener

    *Maximus

  • shheah
    shheah Community member Posts: 6 Listener

    Also, just to add….is it possible the DWP put me into the LCWRA group after they've reviewed my situation? (given the 'vulnerable' status on my file)

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 61,856 Championing

    Vulnerable means extra support maybe needed for things such as reviews and returning forms. Yes, you can be found to have LCWRA but not because you're vulnerable. You need to meet at least one of the descriptors for this, or substantial risk.

    You can see the descriptors here.

    https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

  • shheah
    shheah Community member Posts: 6 Listener

    Ah I see. Is it possible the answers and information I provided in my PIP Assessment is available to the DWP when reviewing my current claim for LCWRA?

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 61,856 Championing

    PIP and the work capability assessment are completely different and not linked. However, they can look for information from one to other, if needed.

  • shheah
    shheah Community member Posts: 6 Listener

    Does that mean it's possible they can come to a decision based on the information shared between them?

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 61,856 Championing

    Yes, it's possible. You can also fill in the form and return it to them. I know there's long delays for review decisions for the work capability assessment. This is likely why you haven't heard anything.

    If you no longer have the form you received there's one online you can use. You'll need to print it off though.

    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e1b747dd4e6b59f0cb2556/uc50-interactive.pdf