New changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) health assessments have come into force, requiring all appointments to be recorded. Starting this week, every telephone and face-to-face health assessment determining eligibility for benefits will be audio recorded.
Purpose of the Recording Change
The new policy is designed to "keep an accurate record" of the appointment for both the DWP and the claimant. A DWP health assessment evaluates how an illness or disability impacts daily life. These assessments are conducted by a healthcare professional to help the DWP decide eligibility for benefits including Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Opting Out and Usage of Recordings
Claimants can request that their assessment not be recorded, and the DWP states this will not put them at a disadvantage. Audio recordings will not be used by decision makers to determine benefit eligibility. If you do not want to be recorded, you must contact the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS) before your appointment using the number on your appointment letter. You can also inform your health professional at any point during the assessment if you change your mind.
Scope of Recording
Assessments will be recorded automatically if conducted over the phone or in person at a centre or in the claimant's home. Due to "technical limitations," video assessments will not be recorded, but the DWP is working on a way to allow audio recording during video assessments in the future.
Storage and Access
The DWP will keep the recording for 24 months before it is deleted, though in some cases it may be kept longer. Claimants can request a copy of the recording. To obtain the recording, you can ask during the assessment or call the number on your appointment letter. When ready, you will receive a text message with a secure link to download it. You need a smartphone and your National Insurance number to access the recording. If you do not have a phone or other means to download, you can submit a Right of Access request or write to the DWP. You can download your recording more than once, but only within 24 hours of the first download; after that, the download option expires.
