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:

• Starting the WCA
• BREAK
• The assessment process

Aims
This part of the course looks at how the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is started in the context of Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit. This part of the course goes on to look at the disability criteria used in the Work Capability Assessment. It enables participants to help claimants fill out the UC/ESA50 form effectively.

Objectives
By the end of part 1 participants will:

• Know when a claimant should undergo the WCA and how the process is started.
  
• Be aware of the main differences between employment and support allowance and universal credit when the Work Capability Assessment is being applied.
• Understand when someone can be treated as having limited capability for work or limited capability for work related activity.
• Understand the criteria for limited capability for work and limited capability for work related activity.
• Be able to select the correct descriptor when working with claimants.
• Have considered good practice for completing the UC/ESA50.

THE WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT, Part 2:

• The medical assessment
• BREAK
• The mandatory reconsideration

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 look at the mandatory reconsideration (MR) process following a Work Capability Assessment decision.

Objectives
By the end of Part 2, participants will:

• Be able to help claimants who have difficulty attending and/or participating in 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.
• 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 considered how to write an effective MR letter.

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.