Universal credit mandatory reconsideration

Oldblueeyes

Hello, I recently got the decision back for my universal credit,
I have been put in the limited capability for work group,
I would like to ask for a mandatory reconsideration and try to be put in the limited capability for work and work-related activity group, which I believe I should be in.
I don’t have any additional evidence to send them, is it still worth asking for a mandatory reconsideration?

Any help much appreciated
Thank you

Alice_Holt

Which LCWRA descriptor do you think applies:
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors
https://wcainfo.net/issues/substantial-risk-lcwra
http://www.cpag.org.uk/content/making-exception

calcotti

It is definitely worth asking for an MR even if you don’t have additional evidence but you need to explain why you think you should be in the LCWRA. Determine which descriptor (or descriptors) you think apply and explain your limitations and why you think the DWP have underestimated the impact your health has on you in these areas.

huckster

Suggest that you try to obtain relevant evidence to support the LCWRA element being applied. This can be from medical professionals or support workers.

What I have seen, is many people ask for mandatory reconsideration, when they realise that LCW does not pay additional money. Those that provide no further information to support LCWRA being applied, are not normally successful, because a Decision Maker is unlikely to overturn a fellow DM's decision, without information that is strong enough to allow this. If you can get a Doctor or support worker to confirm the severity of your condition and how it would affect your daily life, then you stand a much better chance.

Alice_Holt

Be aware that if you ask for an MR, the DWP will look at the whole award. A second decision maker could decide that you are fit for work. Unlikely, but it's a risk you shouldn't discount.

Consequently, as calcotti and huckster, posted you need to be very clear in your MR request which LCWRA descriptor applies and why. It does help to include evidence - if you can't get medical evidence then confirmation from a carer / family member, and clear examples relating to the LCWRA descriptor should help persuade the DWP DM that yours is a serious challenge and not vexatious.

I ask again - which LCWRA descriptor do you think applies to you and why?

Oldblueeyes

Thank you for all your help, the information has been very helpful

coping with change is a big problem for me, i find it very difficult to leave my house even with supportive family.

is it best to write in my online journal for a MR or should i send a letter?

Thanks for all your help again

Alice_Holt

If you can't reliably leave the house that would make it difficult to attend WFI's, I'd be inclined to cite significant risk to health as well.

I'd suggest doing both (journal and letter) - and get a family member to write a letter stating how you health would be affected if you had to attend WFI's to include with the written MR.

Be prepared for the DWP to argue that WFI's could be by phone. You may need consider how to counter this.

huckster

If you say you can't leave the house, then the argument will be that you have some evidence of this. For example your Doctors will be aware that you can only see them with help of family/friends taking you to the Doctors. So a letter from your Doctors to explain this.

How do you manage to obtain food shopping ? If you are bad as you say you are, then you would not be able to go to the shops. And you would find it difficult having food delivered to your address and dealing with a delivery driver.

Don't just write a letter asking for mandatory reconsideration without supplying independent evidence e.g Doctors or support workers. The reason is that at the assessment, you would have had opportunity to explain the health/living situation. A letter just stating what problems you think you have, is unlikely to lead to a changed decision.

If no Doctors or support workers are aware of your situation, then I would suggest you book an appointment with your GP, so you can start to receive relevant help.