Awarded LCWRA but told I wouldn't get any backdated money, is this correct?

Blossom88

I am wondering if anyone can help with this please. I have been on Lwc for a while and in 2024 I was advised to do a questionnaire but I was not sent a letter. I asked my work coach to help me with anyone who could help me with the form. She suggested it to me to get help from an organisation but they never got back to me. I told her that my mental health was really bad and I couldn't cope. I was really feeling bad with my anxiety and pain from my arthritis and other health issues. In February I felt better and I asked my new coach for help. He said he will give me a number to call with Capita and I did call but they said to wait for an appointment for the assessment. I called back but they were not able to help me. My work coach said he was unable to contact them and even though I was communicating with him all the time. He was not able to get me some help. In February this year I finally got my assessment and I was awarded LCWRA. However I am told i will not be able to get any backdated money. Is that correct. I am not able to do anything as my anxiety and depression is really bad.

Adrian_Scope

Hello @Blossom88 and welcome to the community.

In 2024, did you report a change in your condition to let Universal Credit know it had worsened? I’m just trying to understand whether the reassessment was triggered by you reporting a change, or if it was part of a routine review.

If it was a routine review, LCWRA is usually paid from the date of the decision, so back pay isn’t normally included. However, if you reported a deterioration in your health and provided fit notes, back pay can sometimes be payable depending on the circumstances.

If you feel the decision not to award back pay is wrong, you can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration and request a full explanation of how they reached their decision.

Blossom88

I did mention that my mental health issues were worse and I was not able to to cope. I was given a counselling numbers and the samaritan number. I didn't get any sick note

Blossom88

I have been telling my coach that I am waiting for too long to get assessment and he was just about he couldn't get them to talk to him. I called them in February and other days for Capita but they were not helping me.

Holly_Scope

I'm really sorry you're feeling low @Blossom88. Have you reached out to your GP to see if they can offer you some options for support?

With your LCWRA claim as Adrian mentioned, you can request a mandatory reconsideration for them to look at any potential back payment owed. I've added a link below for our webpage about mandatory reconsiderations. There's also some links to benefit advisors that might be able to help you submit this.

Appealing a benefits decision | Disability charity Scope UK