The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that more than 114,000 people receiving three major benefits are currently waiting for a vital Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
Parliamentary Revelation on Assessment Backlog
This significant figure was revealed in the House of Commons this week. DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms provided the data in response to a question from SNP MP Chris Law.
Mr Law had pressed the minister for details on how many existing claimants, whose assessments are handled by the provider Maximus, had experienced cancelled appointments. He sought numbers for those with one, two, or more than two cancelled assessments.
Breakdown of the Waiting List
In his reply, Sir Stephen Timms stated that as of 31 October, approximately 74,000 new benefit claimants and 40,000 existing claimants were in the queue for a WCA with Maximus.
These individuals are all claimants of Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Incapacity Benefit. The minister clarified that the totals include everyone within Maximus's current caseload. This encompasses people at the initial questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is still being collected.
Rare Occurrence of Cancelled Appointments
Addressing the specific issue of cancelled appointments, Minister Timms asserted that such events happen "very rarely." He explained that it is uncommon for someone booked for an assessment not to be seen on their appointed day.
However, he acknowledged that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes arise. Examples given included a claimant's file not being received in time, the unavailability of a health professional due to illness, or significant waiting times on the day of the assessment.
"Maximus is required to make every possible effort to ensure the appointment can still go ahead before a cancellation is processed," Sir Stephen stated.
He added that if it becomes clear a claimant cannot be seen, or the assessment is delayed, Maximus must try to contact the person by phone. The purpose is to apologise and explain the steps that will be taken to rearrange the appointment.
This update highlights the ongoing scale of the assessment process for vital disability and sickness benefits in the UK, underscoring the significant number of individuals awaiting a decision that directly impacts their financial support.
