Reassesments for Universal Credit and disability benefits are being suspended effective immediately amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The DWP confirmed last night they were postponing all reviews for the next three months - to reassure vulnerable people about the continuity of their benefits during the unprecedented times.

Confirming the announcement, Work and Pensions Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey said: "As this country ramps up its efforts to support people through coronavirus, we will do whatever it takes to protect claimants and our staff. 

"We are automatically extending all awards and reassessments for health and disability benefits to provide that reassurance to those in receipt of them."

The move has been praised as "common sense" from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), and comes following the suspension of face-to-face assesssments last week.

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CAS Social Justice spokesperson Mhoraig Green added: “This commonsense move is very welcome news.

"CAB advisers have long reported that these kinds of assessments are often distressing and lead to wrong decisions which leave vulnerable people without the support they need.  

"We hope that this change will provide evidence over coming months to show why this change should be extended after coronavirus has passed.

“Our view is that these type of face-to-face meetings are rarely necessary and that better decisions can be reached using existing evidence about a persons’ situation, including from their medical practitioners. 

"Suspending them now is certainly the right decision - disabled people have enough to concern themselves with simply by keeping themselves safe and healthy at the moment.

"They do not need the additional stress of reviews and re-assessments.”

Information for claimants

What this means for you:

  • there will be no new reviews or reassessments across all benefits for three months – this includes Universal Credit (UC), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

 

  • face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits have been suspended for the next 3 months including for any new claims.

 

  • PIP claimants, if an assessment has already taken place this will continue to be processed. If an assessment has been scheduled, claimants will be contacted by the assessment provider to discuss how this will be taken forward.

 

  • ESA and UC claimants whose cases have been referred to the provider will be contacted to take this forward.