Thanks for forwarding this to me.
Work focused health related assessment suspended for two years
Suspension will improve capacity to cope with reassessing existing incapacity benefit customers, says DWP
25 June, 2010
The DWP has told members of the Jobcentre Plus customer representative group that it is to suspend the work focused health related assessment for two years from 19 July 2010.
In a letter dated 24 June 2010, the DWP advises that -
'The Work Focused Health Related Assessment (WFHRA) was introduced in October 2008 as part of the Work Capability Assessment. The WFHRA is currently undertaken with individuals in the Work Related Activity Group of ESA and performed by a healthcare professional. To date ongoing external evaluation has shown mixed results for the WFHRA.
Following careful consideration, it has been decided that the WFHRA element of the Work Capability Assessment will be suspended for a period of 2 years. The WFHRA’s suspension for the next 2 years will provide an opportunity for DWP to reconsider the WFHRA’s purpose and delivery. It also improves the capacity to focus on and cope with the demands of the reassessment of existing incapacity benefit customers.'
The DWP letter to the JCP customer representative group about the WFHRA is available here.
PDF version
Does this mean that no more health assessments for DLA and IB are to be carried out for at least the next two years?? I thought the examinations were to triple????
If you have severe Pheripheral neuropathy and Bipolar will you still be eligable to claim???? Pretty worried about all this???
Thanks.
In an word "NO". There are many assessments and implied in your point is the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) which is not frozen. The Work Focused Health Related Assessment is a "test" that is undertaken if following a WCA assessment youare placed in the Work Focused Group i.e. Jobseekers Allowance (JSA). It is an assessment to establish health related issues when you have to actively seek work.
There are many assessments, for different work programs and it is important to understand the differences. If you are in doubt ask your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
A BBC
report http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10431024.stm