An important change regarding some health assessments carried out by the The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is now in effect. From June 29, all face-to-face and telephone health assessments for disability and sickness benefits are now audio recorded by default. It’s a move the department, which is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy, says will help improve transparency in the benefit system.
The change means “claimants doing assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Work Capability Assessments (WCA) in Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) will have their assessment automatically recorded, unless they choose to opt out”, DWP explained. Outlining what led the change, the department said “feedback from disabled people, the organisations that represent them and disability-focused research” found that “some disabled people who claim health and disability benefits lack trust in the health assessment process”.
It says the new approach makes good on a commitment first made in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, published in March last year, setting out the intention to introduce recording as standard across assessments.
The DWP notes that the decision-making process will still involve written reports, “with audio recordings providing a more accurate record should that be required”.
Before the change, audio recording was available on an opt-in basis, and was used by fewer than 3% of claimants, according to the DWP.
Claimants will be able to get a recording of what was said in the assessment if they need to check what was said at a later date, or decide appeal their initial benefit award, it adds.
The recordings will also be used as a learning tool to help identify potential improvements to the quality of assessments, the department says.
Ahead of the change coming into effect, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “Improving transparency and trust in the benefits system is one of this government’s key aims, which is why we’re making this important change.
“Audio recording health assessments as standard will mean we are available to make improvements and increase assessment quality, resulting in a better experience for claimants.”
You can find out more about eligibility for individual benefits and what assessments are required on the GOV.UK website.
