WCA - has been dragging on for ages

Sparky3683

April 2024 - fill in a UC50 (know now it's a WCA50 but at the time was still a UC50) form to be reassessed from LCW as things got worse, even worse now. I was told in my UC journal it was received,wouldn't be processed "certain number a month " I got told :(

Anyhow, get a WCA out of the blue over the weekend,was due to happen this morning and was cancelled to be rearranged "in a few weeks". I told them of my distress to which the rather blunt response was ".. focus on things you can focus on".

Overwhelmed,distressed and the rest.. 20 months now . If it is changed to LCWRA, I'm assuming no backpay :(

I initiated the reassessment in April 2024 so assuming that means still no backpay should it be moved from LCW to LCWRA (been LCW since June 2022)

MCMikey

As I understand it, I think it will be backdated if you qualify. For definitive answer ask Citizens Advice or DWP themselves (but I realise the reluctance that you would have to call the DWP at this stage). Another option is to trawl the internet for past conversations on the subject, you will normally find a case example.

bookrabbit

Horrible to have it cancelled when you had gone through all the stress leading up to it:(

But you should get back pay, which will be substantial after that amount of time if successful.

They are probably in a mess because of all the uncertainty last year, but they can't put you off until it no longer exists after all that time or give you the lower rate.

Kimi87

Backpay will only happen if you've been submitting continuous Fit Notes from when you reported the change, up until the decision.

Otherwise if you go from LCW to LCWRA payment first applies in the Assessment Period in which the decision was made.

If you are granted LCWRA the higher monetary amount will apply as your WCA started before April 2026.

You can make a formal complaint with the assessment provider.

Sparky3683

I'm appreciative of the replies - going to check with my local CAB what the official position is.


Why would I have been told by a coach not to challenge it at the time - the words "leave it for now" were used?

Sparky3683

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1088396#Comment_1088396

@Kimi87 having checked the position with the local CAB where I live,this is not the case. Backpay will happen . It can be challenged if it isn't applied. I trust what I've been advised.

Sparky3683

Hi all,


LCWRA awarded today (Jan 6th,2026). It's a relief given the stress with the wait since April 2024 and the first assessment date in early December was rescheduled for Christmas week so not the distress needed in the run up to Christmas.

(Initial date was scheduled for 04/12/25 ,rescheduled with minutes' notice to 19/12/25)

Rachel_Scope

So glad you've got your award! That's such a long time to wait but at least it's over with now and you can relax.

Kalabata

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1090490#Comment_1090490

I agree with your local Citizens Advice. You only need to provide continuous Fit Notes prior to the initial WCA. When you have LCW if your health worsens and you request a new WCA you can voluntarily provide a new Fit Note as evidence but it is not compulsory. I would be interested to know where the other advice is coming from ?

Sparky3683

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1093892#Comment_1093892

Everything I was told came from them.

I've been told in my journal backpay is being calculated and will be awarded,just wait to see what that will be.