Backdated LWRCA after a break in UC

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stellar13

Hi,

I waited nearly 2 years (Feb 2023 - Jan 2025) for an LCWRA assessment. I then stopped receiving UC after my savings went above the thresh hold. I reapplied 8 months later and have now been awarded LCWRA. My health situation was the same throughout both of these periods so if I had been assessed in 2023 I would likely have received the award. I did not make a fuss at the time as I was dealing with the illness and passing of a parent and my own illness. Has anyone any idea if i have a chance at claiming back payment as the delay was due to their system backlog?

Rachel_Scope

Hi @stellar13 and welcome to the community. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your parent, it must have been so difficult especially when dealing with your own illness. I found some information for you

"You must wait 3 months before you can start receiving a LCWRA payment. This is sometimes called a ‘relevant period’. Payments can be backdated to 3 months after you submit your fit note. A fit note is a statement from your GP or healthcare professional saying whether you are fit to work."

So it seems that you can get backpayments to 3 months after you submitted your fit note. However, I'm not a benefits expert and your situation may be different as you stopped UC and then reclaimed. This may prevent you from getting backpay. I'd suggest contacting UC directly to find out but maybe one of our members is more knowledgeable on the subject.