Work Capability Assessments 2026-03-09
2026-03-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A backlog of reassessments for the work capability assessment built up during 2024, impacting claimants awaiting reassessment.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of work capability assessment clearance times of over two years on claimants?
A backlog of reassessments for the work capability assessment did build up during 2024. This backlog will have been almost entirely cleared by the end of this month.
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Assessment & feedback
The impact of long clearance times on claimants was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Research from Scope found that only 7% of work capability assessments carried out in 2025 were reassessments for existing claimants, compared with 19% the previous year. A constituent has experienced a health deterioration and needs reassessment.
Research from Scope found that, in 2025, only 7% of work capability assessments carried out were reassessments for existing claimants, compared with 19% the previous year. One of my constituents has experienced a significant deterioration in their health and urgently requires reassessment to determine whether they should now receive the limited capability for work and work-related activity element of universal credit. What further urgent actions will the Minister take to reduce waiting times and ensure that disabled people are not left without financial support?
The Department prioritises initial assessments, so people without any support at all get it as soon as possible. Reassessments are then carried out when there is capacity. The backlog built up towards the end of 2024 will have been almost entirely cleared by the end of this month. If there is still a problem in the case of her constituent, I would be grateful if she dropped me a line.
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Assessment & feedback
Urgent actions to reduce waiting times were not specifically addressed.
Response accuracy