How do the DWP decide?

WE spoke to the DWP and found out more about the process behind assessing ESA cases. Who carries out the assessment and signs it off?

Some people are required to come for a face-to-face discussion and some people who are severely disabled can fill in an application form and the decision can be made without an interview.

A decision on people who are terminally ill would not require a face-to-face discussion.

The final decision is made by the DWP. What job would someone who is blind and aged 62 be expected to do?

People who are blind work and people over 60 work. If someone is blind they may require help.

They may not be able to go to work now but they can in the future. What does the limited capability for work-related activity assessment include?

The assessment has a list of descriptors, relating to both physical and mental, cognitive and intellectual functions. How is the work capability assessment applied?

A DWP decision maker looks at the information you have provided with your claim for Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit to see, without having to make further enquiries, if there is evidence that you have a limited capability for work and for work related activity.

If the decision maker does not have such evidence they will send out a questionnaire to complete. What does the questionnaire ask?

You are asked about the ability to complete different task related to each activity.

The decision maker may then decide there’s clear evidence you have a limited capability for work. What is in the face-to-face assessment?

You are asked a series of question of about your daily living activities including hobbies or leisure activities by a healthcare professional.

The healthcare professional then completes an assessment which is sent to the DWP. What if you do not agree with the decision?

You can appeal the decision and a Mandatory Reconsideration will be carried out. You will be asked to provide further information to support your case and all the details will be reconsidered. What happens if this is unsuccessful?

You can then appeal to an independent tribunal at a Magistrates’ Court. Why do people have to be reassessed?

Circumstances can change over time so the DWP said it is important to reassess people.