LCWRA abruptly stopped after short exit from the UK

I hope you’re all doing well. I’m reaching out for advice regarding ongoing issues with my Universal Credit (UC) and Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) entitlement. I have worked in the NHS for 20 years in a clinical role supporting disabled individuals, paying taxes consistently. Unfortunately, due to ill health and several hospital admissions that left me with permanent disabilities, I have been unable to return to work for the past three years. My employer provided sick pay for a year, after which I went into nil pay and became dependent on Universal Credit. After a long wait and assessment, I was awarded the LCWRA component, which provided much-needed support. However, despite informing UC three months prior to leaving the UK for my medical investigations (due to long NHS wait times)and visit my ill mother , my UC payments were abruptly stopped without warning(on return). If I had known this would happen, I would not have left the UK. I then requested a mandatory reconsideration, attaching all evidence, including details of why I left and proof that I informed them in advance , including medical records. Due to the account closure and loss of income, I reapplied for UC. However, my LCWRA component has not been reinstated, and my work coach has advised that I need to reapply, complete another health assessment, and wait for a decision, despite my previous award. To make matters worse, I’ve now received a letter from DWP stating I owe £3,000, with no explanation provided why this is requested . After a long wait on the phone to DWP, I was told to raise this via my UC journal, which I have done, but I’ve yet to receive a clear response. I currently have a mandatory reconsideration (to align my benefits after account closure) and a complaint investigation pending. I feel deprived of my entitlement and disheartened by the lack of communication , informed consent regarding significant decisions that affect my family and me. I’ve been made to feel like I’m begging for support, despite being open and honest throughout the process. On the positive side, I continue to receive PIP, and my wife receives Carer’s Allowance and the credit element through UC, which has been a lifesaver . My questions are:1.Has anyone experienced a similar situation?2.What steps can I take to ensure my LCWRA is reinstated without restarting the process from scratch?3.How can I challenge the £3,000 debt effectively? I truly appreciate any advice or suggestions on how to move forward. Thank you in advance for your time and support. Take care

Dear David,
Thank you for your response.
Regarding the £3000 debt, the DWP has not provided any details on what this amount pertains to. I have been on nil income since the closure of my UC account. After the closure, I raised a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) request via recorded delivery and am still awaiting alignment of the claims. My UC account was closed around the last week of October 2024, and I reopened a new UC account in the first week of November 2024. However, after the closure of the initial UC account, my LCWRA stopped as well. Now, I’ve been asked to reapply for the health assessment and complete the health questionnaire again, which is a tedious process I’ve already gone through.

I truly appreciate your insight and advice. However, I feel the DWP’s actions—closing my Universal Credit account and halting my LCWRA without prior notice or explanation—are quite unfair. The only notification I received was an SMS, and this lack of communication has caused significant distress. I had informed the DWP three months in advance of my departure, clearly stating it was to seek medical attention due to long NHS wait times. Additionally, I have raised a formal complaint with the DWP regarding this.

Despite my ongoing health issues and disabilities, my work coach has now suggested I take up a four-week traffic marshalling course. This recommendation seems completely disconnected from my circumstances, as the staff at the job centre appear to have little understanding of disability awareness and the impact these situations have on our lives.

I hope this provides clarity on the situation, and I would greatly appreciate any further guidance you might offer.

Thank you once again for your assistance.

Kind regards,
Mission Impossible