Claimants now have the right to audio record their work capability assessment for universal credit (UC) or employment and support allowance (ESA) using their phone or other device, the latest DWP official guidance makes clear.
The most recent edition of the DWP’s guidance for healthcare professionals carrying out WCAs, the “WCA Handbook”, makes it clear that claimants have the right to audio record their assessment using any device they choose, including their phone. This brings the WCA into line with PIP assessments.
Previously, whilst claimants could record their PIP assessment on any device, WCAs could only be recorded by the claimant if they had expensive dual recording equipment which provided both the claimant and the DWP with a copy of the recording.
The only other alternative was to ask the assessment provider to record the session, but this often meant delays and the recording device simply not being available on the day, leaving the claimant to choose between another lengthy postponement or going ahead without a recording.
Now, claimants simply need to inform the assessment provider in advance that they intend to audio record their assessment. The assessment provider is then likely to make their own recording of the assessment as well.
Video recordings of assessments are not allowed.
Claimants can still also ask the assessment provider to make an audio recording of a face-to-face or telephone assessment. The DWP say that providers are not able to audio record video assessments.
We have updated our members guide, “ESA and UC Claims for Physical, Mental Health and Learning Difficulties: a guide to the work capability assessment” to take account of the changes.
You can download the WCA Handbook from this link
(Thanks to Carri on the Rightsnet forum for spotting this).
