Backdating child disability addition & carer element templates letters

We have developed a series of template letters for you to ask the Universal Credit service to revise their decision not to backdate the disabled child addition or the carer element. See our webpage about this issue.

Which template should I use?  

Which template you’ll use depends on your circumstances, including whether you live in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK.

Use the flowchart below by answering the questions, and this will automatically direct you to the correct template letter. 

Or, if you know what you’re doing, skip past the flowchart to see all template letters. 

Please note that the template assumes that you are only being refused backdating of one disabled child addition and/or one carer element. If you are seeking backdating of more than one disabled child addition or backdating of two carer elements (for you and your partner), you will need to call our helpline to speak to an adviser as you will need a revision request tailored to your individual circumstances rather using one of our standard templates.  

How do I use these templates?

Click on the document link to download your template. Once downloaded, you’ll be able to edit it.

Most of the legal arguments are set out in the body of the template letter. You will need to add certain individual details, such as your child’s name and address. Make clear the disability benefit they receive and when their entitlement to that benefit started. We have set out the areas you need to add information in red. 

There are also some guidance notes – also in red –at the end of each template. Once you have added the relevant details, please delete all of the sections in red including the notes. You can then cut and paste the finalised text into your Universal Credit journal.

All templates

Download Template 1 Scotland – request in journal for backdating of child disability addition.
Download Template 1 England Wales NI – request in journal for backdating of child disability addition.
Download Template 2 Scotland – request in journal for backdating of child disability addition + carer element.
Download Template 2 England Wales NI – request in journal for backdating of child disability addition + carer element.
Download Template 3 Scotland – backdating DCA to higher rate.
Download Template 3 England Wales NI – backdating DCA to higher rate.
Download Template 4 Scotland – backdating DCA to higher rate plus carer element.
Download Template 4 England, Wales and NI backdating higher DCA + carer element.
Download Template 5 Scotland – backdating carer element only.
Download Template 5 England, Wales and NI – backdating carer element only.