DWP confirms timetable for resumption of face-to-face assessments for health and disability benefits

In addition, DWP issues new guidance for claimants and assessment providers covering measures such as social distancing requirements, sanitisation, PPE and face coverings

The DWP has today confirmed the timetable for the resumption of face-to-face assessments for health and disability benefits.

Following their suspension in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the DWP says that, initially for those who it is 'unable to fully assess by other channels' -

• face-to-face assessments for industrial injuries disablement benefit in England will resume from 12 April 2021; and
• face-to-face assessments for personal independence payment and work capability assessments for universal credit and employment and support allowance will resume from May 2021.

The DWP says that it has worked with its assessment providers to ensure that assessment centres are fully compliant with Covid-19 safety measures and has published detailed guidance to support the safe resumption of face-to-face assessments. The new guidance, which covers measures such as social distancing requirements, sanitisation, PPE and face coverings, is available from gov.uk -

• for claimants: Attending your face-to-face health assessment during the Covid-19 period; and
• for assessment providers: Carrying out a face-to-face health assessment during Covid-19.

For more information, see Face-to-face assessments to resume for health and disability benefits.