DWP benefits reassessment, USA News: A staggering 700,000 benefit claimants due an eligibility check from the Department for Work and Pensions are still waiting more than three years later, according to official warnings. Data shows that Universal Credit health assessments for 2.3 million claimants are overdue, sparking fears that the DWP is continuing to hand benefits to thousands of people who may no longer need assistance.
The warning arrives as the Labour Party government grapples with a high welfare bill. Mary Kelly Foy, the Labour MP who submitted the written question regarding the statistics, stated that she was astonished by the scale of the backlog. She noted that she deals with numerous constituents facing very lengthy waits for their work capability assessments and confirmed she will follow up with DWP ministers at the earliest opportunity.
Current Claimants and Reassessment Rules
Claimants awaiting reassessment continue to receive their existing rate of benefit while they wait. Officials note that where a reassessment leads to entitlement to a higher rate of benefit, any increase due is backdated in line with the date entitlement arose. Typically, assessments are scheduled to take place every six months to 36 months.
Helen Whately, the Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary, criticized the administration over the figures. She urged the DWP to re-examine and assess the claimants as soon as possible, arguing that taxpayers could be funding individuals who might otherwise be working.
DWP Response
A DWP spokesperson addressed the situation by acknowledging the necessity of reforming the work capability assessment process following years of surging demand. The spokesperson explained that the department inherited low levels of face-to-face assessments and has prioritized increasing them, noting that the proportion of face-to-face work capability assessments has nearly doubled over the past two years. Furthermore, the agency has prioritized assessments for brand-new claimants and individuals who report a change in personal circumstances.
