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Universal Credit - LCWA backdated

I am hoping someone can advise . About a two years ago my health worsened due to my various illnesses. I was a self employed beautician but due to various surgeries and continued tests from my doctors I slowly stopped working . I informed my universal credit advisor they told me to keep bringing in doctors Certs . My advisor was very helpful and knew it was hard sometimes to travel for my appointments so he allowed phone call work coach meetings instead . I was then advised by another universal credit advisor that I was to have an assessment for Limited capability they explained it was so I didn’t have to keep getting sick certificates and they also advised me to apply for pip. I had my medical assessment brought the relevant letters medications when they asked about my conditions I explained to them what my doctors advised ( which was also in my doctors letters ) that there was no fix to my conditions but my various doctors were going to help me try and manage it to make life a little easier for me .I received a letter after stating they accepted that I should be on LCW. I had another assessment 6 months later . Explained I still had the same conditions etc . They also decided I would get LCA. I went for another assessment a few months ago and they said I will get LCWA so I don’t need to bring in certs or attend meeting etc . I then noticed last month extra money was put in on my universal credit I was wondering was it an error . I called them they explained that being on LCWA means I get extra money , the advisor also said she didn’t know why I wasn’t given the extra top up before as in notes it’s all the same medications symptoms etc . She said I should have been advised about applying for the LCWA . So she requested for it to be reviewed so it can be back dated. Any time I call universal credit they tell me there is no time frame so they don’t know when or if the decision is made and to keep checking my my online account .
Can anyone advise if I was given the correct information, or if anyone has experienced something similar . I am wondering what are the chances they will agree to back date it and how far back would they backdate it ?
Replies
I'm sorry to read that UC weren't clearer with you about the process and the different potential outcomes of the Work Capability Assessment.
Unfortunately, Poppy is correct. There isn't a separate application for LCWRA (the group you're in now, through which you get extra money in your UC), it's done in the same way. When you were assessed the first two times, a decision maker would have determined that you had Limited Capacity for Work, but could undertake work-related activities - which can include meetings with your work coach and preparing to eventually return to work. This group (LCW) stopped having additional money paid in April 2017, so what you were told by them is correct.
At your third assessment, a different decision was made and you were placed in the LCWRA group. This is where they have determined you have Limited Capacity for Work AND Work Related Activities. This group carries the extra £336 a month and payment starts from the date the decision was made to put you into this group.
I hope that's helped explain it a little more but if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
Have you begun the PIP application process?
Scope
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