Advice Needed Regarding Future WCA Assessments

magpie908

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding future work capability assessments which I hope someone in this forum could kindly provide an answer. I have just 3 years left before my state pension kicks in, and was wondering whether the DWP are going to start reassessments for LCWRA claimants in the support group of ESA who unfortunately had delayed reassessments due to the 2020 pandemic situation? I was due to be reassessed in 2020, but the pandemic situation caused significant reassessment backlogs in the ESA system.

I have multiple physical and mental health conditions that are severe and chronic, and past medical reports sent to the DWP by my consultants have stated that my health conditions are unlikely to improve. My ESA managed migration to Universal credit was successful, and I am now on Universal Credit since last year, but do not have a journal. All my UC payment statements come by post. I have always been in the support group of ESA, and my status is still LCWRA. Also I have a 10 year award of PIP (both enhanced rates) although PIP has got nothing to do with Universal Credit.

I was informed by a friend that the DWP have now cleared their backlogs and she thinks that reassessments that were severely delayed for claimants with LCWRA status will soon begin, hence the reason why I am asking this question. Many thanks for your time.

HillStreetBlues

What has been claimed is that claimant led reassessments backlog has been cleared, those are the ones people have asked for a reassessment.
There is still a major backlog of those who haven't asked to be reassessed. Timms (disability minister) has stated "

“ We are prioritising scheduled reassessments for people who are most likely to have had a change in their circumstances—for example, those with a short-term prognosis, for whom we can reasonably anticipate that a change in their health condition has occurred. That includes those with risks from pregnancy complications, or those who have recovered following cancer treatment.”

If that is true, then those who are unlikely to have a CoC will be at the back of the queue, although some might end up being reassessed.

huckster

WCA reassessments as part of DWP arranged process are approximately 2 years behind schedule. Brand new WCA assessment have always been prioritised and reassessents gradually fed through.

For severe long term health, even if a WCA 50 form were issued for reassessment to be looked into, does not mean that a formal assessment would be completed. If there was enough information on paper, it might be recommended to Decision Makers to continue with LCWRA.

magpie908

Thank you very much to huckster and also HillStreetBlues for your very kind replies to my question. Very much appreciated. Wishing you both a blessed day!