The Work Capability Assessment

The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is critically important for people claiming working-age benefits when they are affected by a health condition or a disability. It is used to determine limited capability for work status and limited capability for work related activity status which can lead to extra amounts being paid as well as protection from restrictions in the wider social security system. This course looks at the criteria and process for the WCA and how to make effective applications including how to fill out the UC50 form.

This is a two-part course on two consecutive mornings. To attend the whole course, please select 2-part ticket for £145 + VAT (you do not need to book separately onto Part 2).

THE WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT, Part 1:

• Overview & eligibility
• BREAK
• The assessment process

Aims
This part of the course looks at the differences between ‘New Style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), ‘Old Style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit (UC) as well as the relationships between them. After the break, this part of the course goes on to teach the assessment process used in both Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. It enables participants to help claimants fill out the UC/ESA assessment form effectively.

Objectives
By the end of part 1, participants will:

• Know who can claim ESA and/or UC because they are currently unable to work.
• Understand how benefit is paid pending the Work Capability Assessment.
• Understand the criteria for limited capability for work and limited capability for work related activity.
• Be able to help claimants fill out the UC50/ESA50 form effectively on behalf of a claimant.

THE WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT, Part 2:

• The medical assessment and DWP decision
• BREAK
• The mandatory reconsideration letter

Aims
This part of the course looks at how to prepare a claimant for the medical assessment and what to do in cases where the claimant is unhappy with the DWP decision. This part of the course goes on to teach participants how to write an effective mandatory reconsideration (MR) request letter following a Work Capability Assessment decision.

Objectives
By the end of Part 2, participants will:

• Be able to help claimants who have difficulty attending the medical.
• Have an awareness of the questions that are likely to be asked at the medical assessment.
• Understand the mandatory reconsideration and appeals process and how to help claimants who are without other income.
• Know how to check for inconsistencies in the evidence used by the DWP to make the decision.
• Know when and how to request further medical evidence in support of a claimant.
• Have examined an example of a well written MR letter to consider best practice.

Methods of delivery
This course is delivered online live with a BTC trainer. It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and case studies, group discussion and games. Participants will be provided with e-learning supporting material including PowerPoint slide handouts, a comprehensive training pack pdf and additional resources.

Intended audience
This course is for participants working with working age people who are affected by a health condition or a disability. No previous experience is required although a working knowledge of the wider benefits system is helpful.

Certificates & post course support
Named participants completing the whole course (Parts 1 & 2) will receive an e-certificate and regular benefits news updates and guarantees access our free 12 months post-course advice service.