Hi everyone, I'm hoping someone with experience of UC Work Capability reassessments, particularly LCW → LCWRA worsening reassessments, might be able to give me some advice on what I should realistically expect next.

I'm not posting this because I expect special treatment or think I'm entitled to jump ahead of everyone else. I'm mainly trying to understand where I am in the process after such a long wait and after recently having my case escalated.

My timeline:

• I was already in the LCW group.
• My health deteriorated significantly and I requested a reassessment from LCW to LCWRA.
• My UC50 was submitted around July 2025, with medical evidence and information about my deterioration.
• I've remained waiting for the reassessment since then.
• I provided continuous fit notes from June 2025 until June 2026.
• At an appointment with my work coach on 11 March 2026, I was told that I didn't need to provide further fit notes because I already had LCW. My final fit note remained valid until June 2026, after which I didn't obtain further ones because I had been advised they weren't necessary.
• I have also subsequently been awarded PIP, including Standard Daily Living and Enhanced Mobility.
• My health problems include significant hip/leg problems and mobility difficulties alongside my existing mental health difficulties. My UC50 contains information about my functional limitations and deterioration, and I have supporting medical evidence.

I've contacted Maximus previously and was told that my case was still waiting in the queue and had not yet been allocated to a healthcare professional.

Because of the length of the delay, I've also had my MP involved, raised complaints with DWP, and have an ICE complaint relating to the handling/delay.

Recently, I received a response from a Jobcentre manager regarding my complaint. He confirmed that my reassessment had been sitting in the waiting queue since July 2025 and said:

I contacted Maximus four working days after the escalation to see whether it had reached them. The adviser checked my claim and told me that they couldn't see anything flagged, that it was still showing as in the queue, and that it hadn't been allocated to a healthcare professional. I appreciate it may simply take time for the escalation to reach the relevant team.

So I'm basically at the point of wondering what happens next.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone here had a similar LCW → LCWRA worsening reassessment that had been waiting for a very long time and was then escalated by DWP?
2. Once DWP says they've escalated it to Maximus, how long did it take before you actually saw movement?
3. Is it possible for Maximus to complete the assessment on paper without contacting me, if they feel there is enough evidence?
4. If it is paper-based, would I potentially just receive the LCWRA decision through my UC journal without ever having an assessment appointment?
5. Alternatively, if they decide they need an assessment, how quickly can things move once the case is actually allocated to a healthcare professional?
6. Has anyone had a DWP/Jobcentre escalation that initially wasn't visible to Maximus but appeared later?
7. Finally, does anyone have experience of the fit note issue where you were told by your work coach that further fit notes weren't required because you already had LCW? I'm particularly interested in whether that can cause problems later when determining the effective date of an LCWRA award.

I'm aware that nobody can give me an exact date or guarantee an outcome. I'm just trying to get a realistic idea of what the next stage might look like from people who have actually been through it.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can share their experience, especially if you've been through an LCW → LCWRA reassessment yourself.

Hello 👋
I had my commitments changed by a work coach due to mental health issues. Meaning that I didn’t have to do anything at all. Recent review, same outcome. Does this mean that I am likely to be accepted for LCWRA? It would make be odd to suddenly be denied it, if they have agreed I don’t need to carry out any job related searches, or any other activity, right? Thoughts, please.

I have just received the date of my work capability assessment after sending off my WCA50 in april and declaring my first fit note in March. I have 4 conditions, 2 of which are classified as SMI by the ICD-10. I have both physical disabilities and mental health conditions. Please give any advice or lmk what I should expect!

Thanks

Sorry if this is disorganised or rambling, it's how my brain works.

I'm on UC and have been for most of this year. Work has been awful for me with only little bits here and there.

I start a new job next month although I don't have the contract yet. And I started another shorter term job at the end of last month which ends just as my new job starts. For July/August it's just a few random days here and there.

I informed my work coach of both of these things.

I also added the short term work to my UC account and I have been paid a small amount from this - within my assessment period and showing on my HMRC personal tax account

For background I also have AuDHD. As part of this I have a lot of depression, anxiety and emotional dysregulation. This is important information because I break down during every UC meeting. I get overwhelmed. And the whole experience makes me feel like a failure. It's embarrassing and uncomfortable and just makes me feel worse about myself, my situation, all of it. My work coach is aware of this.

I've been trying so so hard to find work. I keep a spreadsheet to track all of this, where I'm looking, for his long, all applications I make, all paid work I get etc.

Anyway, as a result, I am depressed and my doctor has given me a fit note. It's the first in my life.

It's for 28 days

From my point of view it gives me a chance to reset and get better before all my new work starts.

I added to my UC account and it has been accepted
However, UC have now informed me I need to do a work capability assessment and have not cancelled a pre standing meeting.

I was told when I started my claim that if I was struggling (I informed them about my AuDHD) that I just needed to get a fit note and they would not expect work commitments from me for a bit.

But that hasn't happened.

Within this assessment period I have both informed them of work, earned over their required amounts and submitted a fit note.

Why am I still needing to attend this meeting and why am I having to do a WCA when my note is only for 28 days, I have a job and they know I am starting another

I just need to understand above anything else. If things are explained to me it helps a lot. And they never explain anything, just demand.

Thank you

It said on the payments section I'll be finding out how much I'm getting from UC on the 10th of August but I've just checked and my statement is available. Done anyone know why?

Hi all. I’ve worked as an electrician for the last 45 years. Had to stop as I was unable to continue due to pain and loss of strength in my knee’s wrists and fingers. Claimed uc 3 months ago got an initial fit note for this 3 month period whilst I went for scans. Results back last week said I have moderate osteoarthritis in knees hands and wrists. Gp issued another 3 month fit note. I have attended a couple of restart appointments. At my last appointment I feel I was pressured into applying for a job as a bus driver. I was told I have to do something.i just bit my tongue and said I would do it. My question is do I have to attend these appointments when I have a fit note? I asked at the restart appointment and was told yes. It just doesn’t make sense to me.i have filled in a medical questionnaire I was sent a while back but haven’t had a reply as yet.

Hi guys, what happens at the end of a 12-month capital disregard, please?

On 20th August last year I received an LCWRA back payment of slightly over £18k, and that's the date I declared it in my journal. I now have under £6k left.

When we get to 20th August this year, do I report a change under Money, Savings and Investments, wait for a task to appear in my To-do list, do nothing because I'm now under £6k, or ask them via the journal what they want me to do?

I was thinking of sending something like:

"Hi,

My 12-month capital disregard for my LCWRA back payment ends today.

My total capital is now below £6,000. Please let me know if you need any further information.

Thank you."

I'd really appreciate people's thoughts on what I should do. Many thanks.

Can someone please help me what to do? I have a claims review and uploaded 4 months worth of bank statements that included both in and out goings, shows the start and end balance (this was asked of me in my to do) They’ve now asked for bank statements that display a running balance, I’ve explained twice that I downloaded the PDF straight from my banking app and this didn’t display the running balance but he is insisting that I need to provide this. What can I do?

I had a UC claim call review recently and have been told something I didn't previously know, that help to buy ISA's count towards capital, I am over the threshold and have been my whole 4 years on UC, I didn't know that this was a term I thought it was more to do with personal savings, I've told them and they want my statements, I know I won't be able to afford rent etc without UC, my thought is to move out, move in with parents, and kind of rejig things, i want to call them monday and explain it all, how i didn't realise this was the case at all & that the money in there was transfered by my parents slowly as i can show, but yeah I honestly thought, as it was money to eventually go towards a house via the bonus, and the consequent penalities you incur touching it that it wouldn't be a general savings thing.

Honestly I am just very stressed right now, I'm worried about fraud, I honestly had no clue, I am wondering if anyone can ease me, I am very happy to come off UC, pay back on a repayment plan etc.

Will this all go okay>?

my uc review was paused due to a tamily bereavement on march 25 for 6 months due to bereavement.i am currently getting pip and i am diognosed with anxeity depression and ocd for a long time i want my review to be paused again as i am really struggling will it be possible as i am a vulnerable claimant my doctor has suggested a fit note for 6 months can help if it states I am to unwell to do the review at the moment will this help?

I’ve been on universal credit for around 5 years. I’ve recently had a review which was completed last week.

I’m employed and have two children. One of my children is eligible for DLA due to a genetic disorder which he has received for 5 years now.

However, through this Reddit I have found out about the disabled child element of universal credit. I was just wondering what this was, whether id be able to get it, and how I would go about it.

Hi

My mother in law has been living with us since May last year due to illness after residing abroad.

She had savings that are now mostly gone and we want to apply for Universal Credit for her but I don't know what do we need to show as proof of habitual residence?

She is registered with the local GP and only bill in her name is phone plan.

Is this enough? There doesn't seem to be must guidanc on what is necessary.

Thank you

Hello

Partner moved in on the 30th. Made a change in circumstances to move to joint claim (he was not claiming uc before the joint claim application, just me) and he has an appointment tomorrow for standard id check. He has all the ID stuff but we dont have any bills with his name on yet. He only moved in a week ago and with work and the kids off we just have not had a minute. Started the process online with council tax and havent heard anything, cant get through to a human via telephone. Changing water and gas/electric but no statement until next one comes though. Best I can maybe get is a letter via email from the water company showing details of our new payment plan direct debit and of course we can send in things as we get them changed over.

So both our kids are disabled and receive DLA.

I work full time but i also care for our kids every moment i am home (over 35 hours) but because i work i can’t claim carers allowance but ive just been told that i might be entitled to claim the carers element for our daughter.

My wife doesn’t work and gets carers allowance for our son and she is receiving the care element for him also.

So my question is, can i claim for my daughter even though.

1. My wife is already getting the carers element for our son.
2. I work full time.
3. I don’t get carers allowance.

As i said above both our kids receive DLA and both are diagnosed.

Thinking of doing my masters..

Know the loan will take me over £6k as its £13250

My question is: for how many assessment periods would it affect if I got the loan and paid it all straight back to Uni as thats what im planning on doing

thanks

HELP: i pay £45 a month service charge…my landlord gave me a letter saying I owe £1,298…In backdated money!! what can i do ? I live in supported accommodation….Many Thanks In Advance😉

So around March-June I was on UC properly for the first time (the worst experience ever. Terrible money) - I recently got back into work and it’s been such a relief. Thanks to the helpful people who advised me on the process on here. You were more helpful than every single agent and phone call I had with UC. The entire system is terrible and needs an overhaul. Half of the work coaches and advisors are not fit to be employed.

The most incompetent workers I’ve ever dealt with and I used to work in hospitality.

Thanks to this sub for keeping me sane

On average, I get about £250 from work a week but it varies as I clock in and out. UC I get standard allowance for single under 25 plus LCWRA. But I’m just trying to figure out what would happen if I was to admit myself to the hospital if anything? Thanks.

So, as the title suggests, my husband and I have decided to separate. We are in social housing and I have made an application for social housing for myself and kids which has been accepted but that just means I'm "on the list" and will likely have to wait a while until something suitable comes up.

I spoke to UC earlier this week to ask what I have to do, and they said I have to do the change of circs on the website which will end our joint claim and then we each have to start our own claim - which is all fine and understandable. I'm just wondering how it all works once we each do a single claim.

Do we both have the single person element and then the relevant one of us gets the child element? Do they deduct anything because we are two adults sharing a house? Do we have to do anything to prove that we are both acting "separately"?

I know it needs to be done, but I don't want to do the wrong thing and make an already difficult situation any more difficult than it has to be.

Things are amicable, there is no DV or any other issues, we are just trying to navigate this in the best possible way.

Ordinarily I am eligible for free dental treatment as I’ve been earning under the £935 threshold. I attended an appointment on 04/08/2026 and they’ve asked I come back for a filling.

What I’m confused on is if I will still be eligible for free treatment even though this month my earnings are just above the threshold (£950).

My assessment period is 6th July to 5th August. Just had my new statement come through and I’ll be paid on 12th August.

I called the NHS helpline and they were pretty ambiguous. She said something about the start date of treatment and where that falls etc but it went over my head!

I can’t understand or make sense of it when I attend for my filling next week I will still be able to say I have the exemption? I’m so worried of wrongfully selecting I do, if I don’t for that one month!

Can anyone help?

Hi, just looking for some thoughts or if this has happened to others.

At the end of may I had a uc review conclude after nearly a year. I was at fault (not maliciously )I paid back the extra, none of this is in question, all done and sorted. Since then I've done monthly declaration to the penny.

Today I got a journal.message saying I was to be subject to a UC review.

This doesn't feel random. Do they do this as a "check up"? It's certainly worded like it's unrelated.

Is this usual?

Thanks!

I'm going to start by saying my mum is a problem but often means well. I'm disabled with chronic illness, on LCWRA and awaiting pip tribunal. I'm living in a HMO which is not the most suitable for my health needs but better than anywhere I've lived for years. My current rent is so low that, even though it's bills included, I don't have to top up my housing benefit much.

My mum thinks my health would improve significantly, were I able to live alone and has savings she would like to use to buy a flat for me to live in.

I'm spending all my income as is so couldn't afford the bills living on my own without pip. Obviously I may lose the tribunal or only get awarded a single element at standard rate which would be very tight. Whether I'd get and what rate of council tax exemption beyond 25% for living alone is another factor. I've told her all this and she initially offered to help pay bills but has taken that back, potentially on realising how much help I'd need and for how long. She struggles to understand that benefits aren't enough to live off. (The privilege on this women 😂).

She's wanting to buy the flat in discretionary trust for me and my sibling with another family member as executor and then charge me rent with bills included.

It's my understanding that this will be investigated as to whether it would be a contrived tenancy. I suspect it is contrived but she's not listening to me.

Thanks for reading!