Minister confirms that DWP is continuing to refer new claims to work capability assessment provider during coronavirus outbreak

Written answer in parliament also confirms that claimants who report deterioration in condition will be referred for reassessment and that the DWP will continue to process cases that have already been referred 'where possible'

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson has confirmed that the DWP is continuing to refer new claims to its work capability assessment (WCA) provider during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Responding yesterday to a written question in parliament on whether it is the DWP's policy for WCA referrals to continue during the COVID-19 outbreak, and for staff to process those referrals as normal, Mr Tomlinson said -

'From 17 March 2020 we suspended all face-to-face assessments for sickness and disability benefits for three months to protect vulnerable people (and assessment centre staff) from unnecessary risk of exposure to COVID-19. The Department continues to refer new claims for a WCA to our provider, CHDA. If it is not possible to complete an assessment based on the paper evidence, a WCA will be conducted, where possible, over the telephone.

In relation to existing claimants, Mr Tomlinson said -

'We also announced that from 24 March 2020 we were suspending all new referrals for reviews and reassessments across disability benefits. However, where a claimant has reported a deterioration in their condition, we will refer them for a reassessment. Where possible we will also continue to process cases that have already been referred to our assessment provider.'

NB - in a thread on the rightsnet discussion forum, a number of advisers report being told by the DWP that no WCAs are currently taking place.

Mr Tomlinson's written answer is available from parliament.uk