Universal Credit backdating

A question about : Universal Credit backdating

Hi everyone,

Would someone be kind enough to give me a second opinion on this? \/\/\/

I lost my job before Christmas and attempted to sign up to Universal Credit using the online application form (at the time, I was told the only way to apply is online).

I had problems with the website, sometimes the form wouldn't show up and sometimes I got to the end of filling it in for it to simply vanish; leaving a blank page and therefore no application. Eventually I went into the local job centre where I was advised to call a number (they gave me the wrong number)... I went in again and got the correct number to call, had to spend a good hour on the phone in order to apply for Universal Credit. The man on the phone instructed me that I could request a backdating of UC because of the issues I've had with the website which was going on for weeks. I filled out a UC backdating form in my local job centre, which they then sent away for me.

Today I receive a letter saying that the law does not allow them to change the start date of my claim.

Therefore I'm left wondering why I have been told by several sources that I CAN backdate my claim, by UC themselves, by the Job Centre and by several .gov.uk websites, yet I've received this letter saying the law does not allow it??!!

Has anyone here had any similar problems as I am pulling my hair out at the moment. Having to deal with a lack of money for two months to be told I cannot claim anything for the first month because of an issue on their end is just outrageous.

Best answers:

• It does seem odd if they have given conflicting information
  How long between attempting to sign up online and visiting the job centre ?
• I agree that Universal Credit can be backdated for up to one month only and under specific circumstances.
  Failure of the online system is one of them.
  See here:
  https://www.crisis.org.uk/data/files/...20-%20FAQs.pdf
  You need to write to the person and address on the letter appealing the decision saying why you are requesting the backdating plus, if possible, evidence of the circumstances and describing the process you went through (bullet points with dates are good)
• Don't worry, that's a standard computer generated letter.
  You have Appeal rights and should state all of the above in your appeal.
  DWP/JCP IT and staff are all getting used to the new system and UC is throwing up glitches.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/public...ision-is-wrong
  In the meantime, keep a record of any telephone calls, time spent and cost incuured and it may be worth sending a letter of complaint to your JCP manager.
  JCP manager > District Manager > COO (Chief Operating Officer of DWP) > ICE (Independent Case Examiner) > Parliamentary Ombudsman is the complaints' process, but most are resolved at the District or COO level and you may receive a special payment due to their failings.
• If all other routes fail contact your local MP. With an election coming up they will be exceptionally keen to be seen working for their constituents.