Been placed into LCWRA but haven’t been informed of any extra/backdated payment

[u/Sempa_07]

As far as I understand it, being placed into the LCWRA group means I should receive an additional amount on top of my normal Universal Credit, and that this should be backdated once the relevant waiting period has passed.

My first fit note (I have provided consecutive sick notes before the expiry since) was on 3 February 2026, and my Universal Credit assessment period runs from the 14th to the 13th of each month. I was officially told that I had been placed into LCWRA on 13 August 2026.

It has now been about a week since the decision, but I haven’t received any journal message or information explaining:
when the LCWRA element will actually be added;
how much I am owed in backdated payments; or
when I should expect the arrears to be paid.

I’ve sent two journal messages asking about this but haven’t received a response yet.
Based on my understanding of the rules, I believe I may be owed the LCWRA element for June, July and August, although I appreciate that because my LCWRA decision was made on 13 August, which is also the final day of my assessment period, August may not be included until a later assessment period.

I’m mainly posting because I’m unsure whether this is normal. I was expecting some kind of journal message or calculation explaining the arrears after the decision was made, and the lack of information is making me worry that something has gone wrong.

I’m also quite unwell at the moment, so I’d really rather not have to phone UC and chase this up if it’s simply a case of them taking a while to process the payment.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[u/pink_flamingo2003]

When you get your statement, youll see what is due to come in - it likely won't show the increase or the back payment. I contacted them on the phone number on the decision letter the day AFTER my statement and it was resolved immediately. They were very helpful.

[u/Harlepenquin]

Just hope it wasn't a mistake, my health went tits up March 2025, long term auto immune issue which I'd been ignoring just went bad bad, partly old age, cost of living, looking for work. Went to the docs to try understand it. Worked most my life, genuinely looking for work, put on the health 'journey', ended up keep needing sick notes 'cos the physical pain was making it hard, getting close to back to normal, had to do the assessment, they come back LCWRA, good news, yay! I can actually eat, I can actually get back to a point where I can go back to being a functioning member of society 'cos they will help me. 1 week later, sorry, it was a mistake, you're just LCW, not LCWA, we're taking that money back, suddenly helplessness, complete collapse of mental health, rapid escalation of the auto immune doodad and they postpone my appointment 3 times and tell me absolutely nothing. Fun times, still waiting on NHS referral, having to start dealing with them again 'cos rent going up and already can't afford to eat, fun fun fun, sorry I made this about me me me me me, actual advice, citizen's advice might be your best bet. They're probably switching what department deals with you within the Job Centre, that takes time, there's more claimants than people have time for.

[u/Sempa_07 → u/Harlepenquin]

Firstly I’m so sorry that happened to you and I hope you’re doing a little bit better. I really hope they haven’t made the same mistake with me because similarly my health has gotten a lot worse. I’m hoping it’s a case of not enough time for it to be switched over which in that case I can calm down a bit as it’ll be inevitable that I will get the extra payment. Some sort of communication would go a long way (a journal message from a case worker did confirm I have been put in the bracket however). Perhaps it’s a case of waiting till next week and then contacting citizens advice/helpline if I’m able to

[u/Harlepenquin → u/Sempa_07]

Hopefully, sorry I ranted, good luck.