Claimants who have been placed in the work-related activity group will be required to take part in one or more of these assessments which will be carried out by a healthcare professional and will normally take place in a medical examination centre.
Employment and Support Allowance page index
The assessment can take place in your home if the DWP is satisfied that requiring you to attend elsewhere would either cause you undue inconvenience or endanger your health.
The DWP is required to give you at least 7 day's notice in writing of the assessment unless you agree to accept a shorter period.
The regulations identify the following matters to be assessed at the assessment -
(a) difficulties which are likely to be experienced as a result of the your physical or mental condition in relation to obtaining or remaining in work and how these might be managed or alleviated;
and
(b)your views views on the impact of your physical or mental condition in relation to obtaining or remaining in work and any aspirations in relation to work in the light of that condition.
Failure to participate in your work-focused health related assessment may result in your benefit being sanctioned.
The information gathered at the assessment is used as the basis for discussion between you and your personal adviser at the work-focused interviews.
The assessment.
During the work-focused health-related assessment you will be asked the following questions-
You and the health care professional are then required to compile a summary of the assessment.
The healthcare professional is asked to indicate the prognosis for your overall condition if there is no further intervention. He or she is also asked to specify any health and workplace interventions that may help you return to work.
The last part of the assessment requires the healthcare professional to indicate whether a return to work could be considered in the next six months.
