PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Work Capability Assessment: Mental Illness (19 July 2022)

We are fully committed to supporting those with mental health conditions. The assessment of mental, cognitive, and intellectual function is an integral part of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and all Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) have undergone comprehensive training in the functional assessment of disability and mental health conditions.

In addition, Mental Health Function Champions support HCPs by providing additional expertise about mental health, cognitive, developmental, and learning disabilities, and can be referred to at any time during the assessment process.

Before attending an assessment, claimants are given the opportunity to alert Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA) of any additional requirements they may have, who will look to meet any reasonable requests. Furthermore, companions or advocates play an active role in helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HCP wishes them to do so. This may be particularly important where the claimant has a mental, cognitive, or intellectual impairment.

The department has worked closely with CHDA to develop and test new processes for obtaining further evidence as part of the WCA. The guidance has been expanded and provides examples of situations where further evidence may assist the WCA process at initial review stage, especially for those with a mental health condition.

CHDA also have a network of Customer Champions around the country focused on making sure individuals receive the best service possible. The support individuals need is very varied, so it is important that we have highly trained disability experts on hand to offer colleagues advice, explain best practice, or to support individuals who may be anxious or unwell on the day of their assessment. Customer Champions also focus on individuals with specific conditions like autistic spectrum disorder, learning difficulties, mental health issues and illnesses that vary from day to day.