What is a work capability assessment?

During your assessment phase for either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (UC), if you are claiming the work capability element of UC due to illness or disability, you will have a medical assessment, known as a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).

In 2023, the chancellor announced plans to scrap the WCA entirely. Instead, UC will feature a new ‘health element’ which will be available to some people who are in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). These changes are planned to be implemented between 2026 and 2029. For the time being the WCA remains in place.

Please Note The government have also recently announced changes to the way the WCA works, including some significant changes to some of the descriptors. These changes are not planned to take place before April 2025.

There are two parts to the WCA process:

  • the limited capability for work assessment (LCW); and
  • the limited capability for work-related activity assessment (LCWRA).

The DWP has to make a decision on both of these, using:

  • a form you fill in (ESA50 or a UC50 depending on which benefit you are claiming)
  • the findings of their medical assessment and
  • any medical evidence you may be able to provide.

The assessments focus on basic activities and your ability to complete them. There are two specific activities related to sight loss.

Further information including tips on completing the assessment forms can be found on RNIB's Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance webpages.

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