PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations (7 June 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the impact on claimants of universal credit and employment support allowance requiring face-to-face health and disability assessments before they can receive support of the suspension of those services during the covid-19 outbreak.

Asked by:
Jonathan Reynolds (Labour)

Face-to-face assessments for health and disability assessments have resumed across England, Scotland and Wales. We are committed to assessing people as quickly as possible in order that they receive the benefit they are entitled to. The resumption of face-to-face assessments, together with our enhanced capability and improved processes for telephone assessments, will allow us to do this.

Initially face-to-face assessments will only be for those who we are unable to assess by other channels. They are taking place alongside existing paper-based assessments, telephone assessments and a small number of video assessments where suitable. Our approach will be kept under review to ensure it remains aligned with the latest public health guidance.

Answered by:
Justin Tomlinson (Conservative)
10 June 2021