WCA reassessments to start again

This has just come through from operational stakeholders -

We wanted to update you on a recent decision by DWP to start to refer some people for repeat Work Capability Assessments from 1 December 2015. As you are probably aware, in January 2014 a decision was taken to suspend the referral of routine repeat assessments (apart from people who felt that there had been a change in their condition that might have led to an increase in their benefit).

Centre for Health and Disability Assessment (CHDA) began delivering the Work Capability Assessments on behalf of the Department in March 2015 and there is now capacity to start to conduct some repeat assessments alongside new claim assessments.  The Department is committed to continuously improving the Work Capability Assessment and will monitor the situation closely.

There are no changes to the Work Capability Assessment process, however, some people will now start to be called in for reassessment to ensure they are receiving the appropriate rate of benefit and support to return to work where appropriate. DWP wanted to make you aware of this operational decision so that you are able to continue to provide the most appropriate support to the people you represent.