The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed a significant backlog of over 114,000 people awaiting crucial health assessments that determine their benefit entitlements. The figures were confirmed by DWP Minister Sir Stephen Timms in response to a parliamentary question from an SNP MP.
Scale of the Work Capability Assessment backlog
Sir Stephen Timms stated that as of 31 October 2025, a total of 114,000 claimants were on the waiting list for a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) with the department's provider, Maximus. This backlog is split between 74,000 new claimants and 40,000 existing claimants.
The assessments are vital for people claiming three key benefits: Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance (ESA), and Incapacity Benefit. The WCA process evaluates how a person's health condition or disability affects their ability to work, directly influencing their level of financial support.
The DWP clarified that the total figure represents everyone currently within Maximus's caseload. This includes individuals at the initial questionnaire stage and those for whom additional medical evidence is still being collected. It is not solely a count of people waiting for a scheduled appointment date.
Low cancellation rates but persistent delays
Despite the large backlog, the Minister insisted that appointments are cancelled "very rarely" by the assessment provider. When cancellations do occur, reasons can include the unavailability of a health professional due to illness, a claimant's file not being received in time, or excessive waiting times on the day.
Data covering the period from September 2024 to October 2025 shows that 640 new claimants and 250 existing claimants experienced a single cancelled appointment. A very small group of just 10 new claimants had their appointments cancelled more than twice.
Procedures when appointments are disrupted
The DWP has outlined the steps Maximus must take when an assessment is cancelled or delayed. The provider is contractually required to make every effort to ensure the appointment proceeds or is rearranged swiftly.
This process includes contacting the affected claimant by telephone to apologise and explain what action is being taken to reschedule. The aim is to minimise further distress and uncertainty for individuals who are often in vulnerable situations due to their health.
The ongoing backlog highlights the continued pressure on the system designed to support people with health conditions and disabilities. Claimants face extended waits for decisions that significantly impact their financial security and wellbeing, while the DWP and its contractor work to manage the high volume of cases.
