LCWRA abruptly stopped after short exit from the UK

noonebelieves

I hope you’re all doing well. I’m reaching out for advice regarding ongoing issues with my Universal Credit (UC) and Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) entitlement.
I have worked in the NHS for 20 years in a clinical role supporting disabled individuals, paying taxes consistently. Unfortunately, due to ill health and several hospital admissions that left me with permanent disabilities, I have been unable to return to work for the past three years. My employer provided sick pay for a year, after which I went into nil pay and became dependent on Universal Credit. After a long wait and assessment, I was awarded the LCWRA component, which provided much-needed support.
However, despite informing UC three months prior to leaving the UK for my medical investigations (due to long NHS wait times)and visit my ill mother , my UC payments were abruptly stopped without warning(on return). If I had known this would happen, I would not have left the UK. I then  requested a mandatory reconsideration, attaching all evidence, including details of why I left and proof that I informed them in advance , including medical records.
Due to the account closure and loss of income, I reapplied for UC. However, my LCWRA component has not been reinstated, and my work coach has advised that I need to reapply, complete another health assessment, and wait for a decision, despite my previous award.
To make matters worse, I’ve now received a letter from DWP stating I owe £3,000, with no explanation provided why this is requested . After a long wait on the phone to DWP, I was told to raise this via my UC journal, which I have done, but I’ve yet to receive a clear response. I currently have a mandatory reconsideration (to align my benefits after account closure) and a complaint investigation pending.
I feel deprived of my entitlement and disheartened by the lack of communication , informed consent regarding significant decisions that affect my family and me. I’ve been made to feel like I’m begging for support, despite being open and honest throughout the process.
On the positive side, I continue to receive PIP, and my wife receives Carer’s Allowance and the credit element through UC, which has been a lifesaver .
My questions are:1.Has anyone experienced a similar situation?2.What steps can I take to ensure my LCWRA is reinstated without restarting the process from scratch?3.How can I challenge the £3,000 debt effectively?
I truly appreciate any advice or suggestions on how to move forward. Thank you in advance for your time and support.
Take care

poppy123456

You can go abroad for up to 6 months if it’s for medical treatment. However, you were also visiting your mother who was ill so I don’t know if would allow the medical treatment absence in this case.

When you returned to the UK and reclaimed UC it should have included the LCWRA element from the start of your claim if you claimed within 6 months.

As you were away to visit your sick mother as well as medical treatment if advise you to get expert advice from an agency near you. This link will help you find an advice agency near you. https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

Please also note that carers element and LCWRA element can’t be paid to the same person. When the LCWRA element is eventually included the carers element will end.

noonebelieves

Hi,

Many thanks for your reply. As I mentioned, I have been very open and honest regarding the medical treatment( due to long NHS wait)and have even provided medical evidence of the treatment I received while abroad. The point I anadded in the journal message bout my ill mother was also an honest disclosure, as she lives in the same country where I sought medical treatment.

I feel deeply hurt and undervalued, despite making clear queries and notifications through my journal before the visit- 3months prior leaving . Not a single objection or warning was mentioned regarding the abrupt closure of my Universal Credit (UC) claim until 2 months after returning back from my trip..

I am still questioning my UC Service centre( as advised by DWP)why I have been asked to repay £3,000, as the letter provides no explanation, only stating that it is for overpayment collection.

Thank you for the Advice Local services link; I will take a look. I am very disappointed that my Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) was stopped.

Just to clarify, regarding Carer’s Allowance, my wife receives it, not me.

Best wishes