A change to health assessments for disability and sickness benefits is now in effect. From June 29, all face-to-face and telephone assessments carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are audio recorded by default.
Which benefits are affected?
The change applies to assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Work Capability Assessments (WCA) in Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). Claimants can choose to opt out if they do not want their assessment recorded.
The DWP said the move follows feedback from disabled people, their representative organisations, and disability-focused research, which found that some claimants lack trust in the health assessment process.
Why the change was made
The department said the new approach fulfills a commitment made in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, published in March 2025, which set out the intention to introduce recording as standard across assessments.
Before the change, audio recording was available on an opt-in basis and was used by fewer than 3% of claimants, according to the DWP.
How recordings will be used
The DWP notes that written reports will still be used in decision-making, with audio recordings providing a more accurate record if needed. Claimants can obtain a recording of their assessment to check what was said or to support an appeal of their benefit award.
The recordings will also serve as a learning tool to help identify potential improvements to assessment quality.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: "Improving transparency and trust in the benefits system is one of this government’s key aims, which is why we’re making this important change. Audio recording health assessments as standard will mean we are available to make improvements and increase assessment quality, resulting in a better experience for claimants."
More information about eligibility for individual benefits and required assessments is available on the GOV.UK website.
