Work Capability Assessment
The DWP process, used for Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit health-related claims, of gathering information and evidence — which may include a face-to-face or telephone assessment — to determine whether a claimant has limited capability for work.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Claimants who say a health condition or disability limits their ability to work must generally go through a structured assessment before they can be treated as having 'limited capability for work' for benefit purposes. The DWP's detailed guide to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA214) defines it precisely: 'Work Capability Assessment: the process of gathering information and evidence, which may include a face-to-face assessment, in order to determine whether a claimant has limited capability for work, and if so, whether they have limited capability for work-related activity.'
The assessment examines functional ability against a set of defined 'descriptors' covering physical and mental activities, rather than simply accepting a diagnosis at face value — the guide notes it is 'aimed mainly at professionals and contractors, but can also be read by claimants', reflecting its technical, points-based structure. A claimant found to have limited capability for work, and additionally limited capability for work-related activity, is placed in the more protected category and is not required to undertake work-related activity as a condition of receiving benefit.
Related terms
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.