The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that people awaiting a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) reassessment may face longer delays, as initial claims are being prioritised.
Contractual turnaround-time targets for assessment providers have been suspended after claim numbers exceeded forecasts. The DWP is reviewing these targets and working with providers to reduce waiting times.
Minister's response to parliamentary questions
The update follows written parliamentary questions from Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy, who asked how people waiting for reassessments are prioritised and whether the length of time already waited is considered. The City of Durham MP also asked about performance standards for Health Assessment Providers and action taken when standards are not met.
In a written response, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “Demand for initial Work Capability Assessment (WCA) assessments has risen so we continue to prioritise initial claims. This enables us to ensure that claimants receive the right level of benefit, and we establish capability for work at the outset of a claim.”
He added: “However, we know that many claimants are waiting longer than we would like for their re-assessment.” The minister confirmed the DWP is investing in additional assessment capacity and looking at ways to make better use of existing resources.
Order of reassessments and paper-based assessments
Sir Stephen confirmed that once a reassessment referral is sent to a Health Assessment Supplier, cases are handled in date order based on the date they were referred. He said: “When reassessment referrals are sent to a Health Assessment Supplier, they are worked in date order based on the date they are referred to the supplier. Suppliers assess the oldest referred cases first.”
This means the order is determined by the date of referral to the supplier, rather than necessarily the date of a claimant's previous assessment. The minister also confirmed that paper-based assessments are the default approach, and claimants do not need to attend an assessment appointment where sufficient evidence is available.
Sir Stephen said: “Paper-based assessments are the default position, and it is only where an assessment cannot be completed with the information available that a claimant is invited for an assessment via an alternative channel.” He added that the DWP is working with suppliers to increase the number of assessments completed and make greater use of existing evidence.
Assessment provider targets suspended
The minister also addressed contractual performance standards for assessment providers. Under the Functional Assessment Services contract, suppliers are normally required to meet a series of Target Performance Levels, alongside other contractual obligations.
However, Sir Stephen confirmed: “The Target Performance Levels (TPLs) for turnaround time have been suspended due to excessive claim volumes exceeding forecasts.” He added: “We are currently in the process of amending the TPLs to make them more meaningful. At the same time, we are working closely with suppliers to reduce waiting times for reassessment activity.”
The parliamentary response does not give a date for the introduction of revised targets or indicate when reassessment waiting times are expected to improve.
Work Capability Assessments are used to help determine how a person's health condition or disability affects their ability to work or undertake work-related activities. They form part of the process for determining certain benefit entitlements, including Universal Credit. People may be referred for a reassessment to review their circumstances after an earlier decision.
The latest parliamentary response confirms that reassessments are continuing, but initial assessments are being prioritised because of increased demand. It also makes clear that claimants may receive a decision based on the available written evidence without being asked to attend a separate assessment appointment.
