Have been waiting for universal credit response since last November and now at a loss- what do I do?!

[cardboardbox24]

Can anyone help with this. I was turned down for universal credit in October 2021 due to a very specific technicality and put in for a mandatory reconsideration in November 2021. I've been waiting every since for a response and the answer to my repeated calls to the helpline is that it's been passed on but I just have to wait for an answer. In the last two months I've made 2 complaints via the website, it says I should get a response within 15 days but I've not had any reply. I'm a single parent and at my wit's end here. Does anyone have a similar experience with Universal Credit and can give some advice about where to go next?

Try applying again ?

Do you have access to a journal still ? Have you tried messaging your case manager ? Do you mind me asking what the technicality is? I would not advise closing the claim because if you are owed money and the MR goes in your favour then it will be easier to sort if the claim is still open.

I’d go direct to HMCTS and say you want to appeal the decision and say that despite requesting a MR DWP have not completed it. That might kick their arses into gear. I would also go to your MP and ask them to make a complaint on your behalf, that usually gets stuff moving. Can I ask what the specific technicality is?

@Babyroobs the claim has been closed and I am appealing via the mandatory reconsideration route. I probably should have name changed for the reason why it was closed as it's very outing but I was assured numerous times the issue wouldn't affect my claim (but it has)
@Princecharlesfirstwife what is HMCTS? I have tried complaining via the independent care examiner but the phone line seems to be permanently cut off. MP is a good shout

HMCTS is the appeals service. You would normally need to have a MR completed before yiu can lodge an appeal but you might get DWP moving to complete that if you lodge an appeal and give your reasons for not having an MT notice (I’m not saying it will work but it’s worth a shot). You could send an email to the Independent Case Examiner but they generally won’t accept a complaint if you’ve not had a final response to your complaint from DWP; but you could show them evidence that you’ve tried to make a complaint and not had any response. In the meantime I would keep calling DWP and ask for a manager call back and make a complaint over the phone.

Sorry that should say MR notice, not MT.