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Written question asked by Ellie Chowns (Green Party) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 June 2026. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Work Capability Assessment: Chronic Illnesses

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to help ensure that an existing claimant with a new or worsening health condition can request a review of their capability for work and have it reassessed with the same priority given to a new claimant.

Answer

We prioritise initial assessments for new benefit customers to ensure that people receive the correct entitlement and employment related support as early as possible. Reassessments are carried out when there is capacity in the system to do them. We have no immediate plans to change this approach. We are, however, taking steps to extend the period between PIP assessments, to increase the amount of assessment resource available for WCA reassessments.

When an individual is reassessed, if the outcome of the assessment means they are entitled to a higher rate of benefit, that rate will be backdated accordingly.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12598
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Chronic illnesses Work capability assessment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk