Awarded LCWRA but statement shows Lower rate applied

tuppodog

Hi, hope someone can advise please. So I was on LCW from 2021, Last February 2025 my health had worsened and I reported a change of circumstances on my journal, the Jobcentre asked for a Fit note which then could not be uploaded so I sent ut to their email as advised by my local jobcentre, they then sent me a UC50 form out and I sent it back Feb 2025, I had my wca April 2026, and last week was awarded LCWRA, however my statement this week shows I have been awarded the lower rate that started in April 2026, also I have had no letter as yet regarding 14 months I believe of backpay, put 5 messages on journal and called UC but no reply as yet, but I just wanted to know if I am right in thinking I should be on the pre April 2026 rate and I should be getting backpay. So stressful all of this. Thank you.

Kimi87

Yes you should be on the higher LCWRA amount.

Write a Journal note (using the payment option) and quote "Schedule 5a, item 3" at them from the UC Regulations

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/113/regulation/3/made

If they refuse to apply the higher LCWRA amount to your award, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration of that decision & then appeal to an independent appeal tribunal if necessary.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/problems-with-your-payment/challenging-a-universal-credit-decision-mandatory-consideration/

tuppodog

Thank you.

tuppodog

Just spoke to UC advisor and she seemed to think that I should be on the lower rate April 2026 rate and was not entitled to any backpay? But said for me to wait for a case manager to reply. Surely this is incorrect? I am so stressed by all this.

Kimi87

I wouldn't rely on UC for benefit advice.

I've posted the UC Regulations which show you are entitled to the higher LCWRA amount.

You can also speak to a local welfare rights organisation who have trained benefits advisors. https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

tuppodog

Thank you Kimi87, I really hope what she told me was incorrect, but its making me wonder as why are they paying me the April 2026 amount?.

Mr_Shoes_Tied

Because someone will have done their job wrong

tuppodog

Thanks Mr shoes tied sorry but i'm thinking maybe I won't get the backpay and the Pre April 2026 amount and I'm sure thats not right.

tuppodog

Just an update received nothing on my journal still from a case manager so I put in a MR and just received a message to say it will be considered for MR but diden't say yes I am entitled to backpay or not its just such a mess

Kjaye767

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1126803#Comment_1126803

Did you ever get a decision on this?