Face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits
will be suspended for the next 3 months, the government announced
today.
The temporary move, effective on Tuesday 17 March 2020, is being
taken as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable people
from unnecessary risk of exposure to coronavirus as the country’s
response ramps up in the ‘delay’ phase. We will ensure those who
are entitled to a benefit continue to receive support, and that
new claimants are able to access the safety net.
It affects claimants of Personal Independence Payment, those on
Employment and Support Allowance and some on Universal Credit,
and recipients of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
The suspension of face-to-face assessments also covers new claims
to those benefits.
Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:
As we move into the next phase of our response to coronavirus,
it is right we take steps to protect those with health
problems.
Temporarily suspending face-to-face assessments for sickness
and disability benefits will allow us to ensure we continue to
provide a safety net for those in need, while removing
unnecessary risk of exposure to this disease.
Anyone who has a face-to-face assessment appointment scheduled
from Tuesday 17 March onwards does not need to attend and will be
contacted to discuss next steps and alternative arrangements,
which could involve either telephone or paper-based assessments.
We expect this measure will be in effect for the next 3 months
but we will be regularly reviewing the position in line with
Public Health advice.
No further action is required by any claimant as a result of this
change. They will be contacted with advice on next steps.
Suspending face-to-face health assessments is a precautionary
measure which reflects the Prime Minister’s decision to trigger
the ‘delay’ phase. It is important to note that this change does
not affect or change any existing public health advice.
Read the current NHS guidelines on coronavirus,
including advice on those who should stay at home.
The department will continue to work with its providers through
this period and pay them in accordance with its contracts.
