ESA and the Work Capability Assessment

Now booking for 22 September 2017.

(9:30 - 16:00)

Since the introduction of employment and support allowance (ESA) in 2008, claimants have continued to face more and more problems in both claiming and continuing to receive benefit on the basis of their incapacity for work. The government has repeatedly tightened up the assessment criteria, and has introduced a 'carrot and stick' approach through the use of conditionality and sanctions, and as a result claimants are required to jump through more and more hoops to remain on ESA and face the risk of losing benefit if they fail to comply with the conditions attached to their benefit. This has left many vulnerable claimants in considerable financial hardship.

Our new one day course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of ESA, and is aimed at those working with clients who are unable to work and are struggling to cope with the benefit system, including those with mental health problems or learning difficulties.

Our course covers -

Eligibility criteria for ESA | the assessment process | a detailed analysis of the work capability assessment, including the exemption criteria | the claims process | how to calculate the level of ESA payment | conditionality and sanctions | how work affects ESA | the permitted work rules | how to challenge decisions and the appeal process | how ESA claimants will be affected by the introduction of universal credit | how the work capability assessment operates within universal credit.

By the end of the course you will -

• have a good understanding of the structure and claims process for ESA
• know how the work capability assessment works in ESA and universal credit
• be able to calculate how much ESA your clients are entitled to
• understand the permitted work rules
• recognise when sanctions apply and how to challenge them
• know how to challenge decisions and understand the appeals process
• feel more confident in advising clients about ESA now and in the future