Effects of suspended WCAs

To all members

We can of course understand that there is a lost of confusion and concern in regard to the suspension of WCAs by the DWP, but we now have at least six separate topics with questions about this and all we are doing is providing the same answer to the same questions, so I am asking all Moderators to simply link to this post for any future questions.


Who does this apply to

This only applies to ESA, PIP and other benefits that ATOS are supplying assessment services to are not affected.

This only applies to mainland UK, our understanding is that Northern Ireland is not affected by this change.

The Decision to defer re-assessments is being made on a month by month basis, at the moment is appears that all re-assessments are being deferred, it is possible in future months that only some re-assessments will be.


New claim for ESA

New claims will be processed as normal and are not affected by the change.


Assessment in progress - ESA50 issued

The assessment will continue as normal and are not affected by the change.


Change of Circumstances or request for Supersession

The assessment process will be carried out as normal and is not affected by the change.


Expecting re-assessment - no ESA50 issued

Those whose re-assessment date has passed or are expecting an assessment in the short term may not now be assessed for two years.

Those expecting an assessment in the mid term six months may be assessed as normal depending on what the status of the system is at that time. Refer back to the forum for updated information

Those expecting an assessment in the long term, will likely be assessed as normal.

Gordon