The Department for Work and Pensions has provided an update on work capability assessments to address concerns regarding delays. Work Capability Assessments (WCA) evaluate how a person’s physical or mental health condition impacts their ability to work, thereby influencing eligibility for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Individuals undergo a process that includes completing a work capability questionnaire and potentially attending a medical assessment, typically scheduled after a 28-day, 13-week, or immediate assessment period. During recent discussions at Work and Pensions, Liberal Democrat Manuela Perteghella inquired about the evaluation Secretary of State Pat McFadden has conducted regarding the potential impact of extended work capability assessment clearance times, exceeding two years, on claimants.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, acknowledged the backlog of reassessments for work capability assessments in 2024. He assured that the majority of this backlog would be resolved by the end of the current month. Despite this progress, Ms. Perteghella highlighted research findings from Scope in 2025 showing a significant decrease in reassessments for existing claimants, raising concerns about delays affecting those urgently requiring reassessment for financial support.
In response, Sir Stephen emphasized the Department’s focus on prioritizing initial assessments to promptly assist individuals lacking support. Reassessments are conducted based on available capacity, with the backlog anticipated to be cleared soon. He encouraged Ms. Perteghella to contact him directly if her constituent still faced delays.
Disability Rights UK emphasized the significance of the work capability assessment for determining eligibility for universal credit. The organization noted the government’s plan to eliminate the assessment by 2028, transitioning health-related support to align with eligibility for the daily living component of personal independence payment.
Earlier this year, Mr. McFadden informed the Commons Work and Pensions Committee about the planned abolition of the WCA but did not provide specifics on the timeline or implementation process. He explained that the abolition would coincide with the conclusion of the Timms Review on the PIP assessment, with ongoing discussions to refine the reformed system and address interactions with the Scottish Government. Further details on the reformed system and the timeline for WCA abolition are expected to be released in the future.