Didn't realise I may be entitled to LCWRA element. Could my payments be backdated to when I applied?

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Henchy43

My wife and I have been on universal credit for 5 years on filling out our forms we indicated that we were both disabled high rate for both elements. We where quite happy going along with the universal credit payment we are getting. A few weeks ago I found out that at the time of our claim we were entitled to LCWRA element. We knew nothing off this element of payment. Nobody told us otherwise. I’ve now applied for this lcwra element. Do I have a case of asking for my payments be backdated to the time of my universal credit application.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

Have you gone through the work capability process and been awarded lcwra this is the only way to get the additional payment 
I doubt the fact you were not aware of the extra benefit would stand up when asking for backdated pay 

Lcwra is paid from the 4th assessment period after reporting a medical condition and providing fit notes 

You won't have provided any fit notes and not reported the medical condition 

Also I'm not certain but hink if it's a joint claim the lcwra is only paid for 1 claimant 

If you have not been through the work capability you need to start this by declaring your medical condition on your journal and provide a fit note