What is the assessment phase of employment and support allowance (ESA)?
When you first make a claim for ESA, you are placed in the assessment phase. This phase continues whilst a decision is made about whether you are capable of work or whether you should be placed in either the work-related activity group or the support group in the main phase of ESA. In some circumstances, you may also remain in the assessment phase if you are appealing against a decision that you are not entitled to main phase ESA.
If you are awarded ESA on the grounds of ‘terminal illness’ you are automatically placed in the support group from the beginning of your claim and so the assessment phase will not apply to you.
How long does the assessment phase of employment and support allowance (ESA) last?
The assessment phase is supposed to last for 13 weeks, though due to backlogs in medicals and decision making it often lasts a great deal longer. You get paid a basic rate of ESA during this time, which is lower if you are under 25. Even if it takes longer than 13 weeks to make a decision about your capability for work, if you are then placed in the work-related activity or support groups, this will take effect from the 14th week of your claim.
What happens in the assessment phase of employment and support allowance (ESA)?
Whilst you are in the assessment phase, you will be subject to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) which is the medical test that decides whether you remain entitled to ESA and, if so, whether you will be in the work-related activity group or the support group. You may also have to attend one or more work-focused interviews at a Jobcentre Plus office or with a work programme provider. You will not be expected to look for work whilst you are in the assessment phase.
You will be expected to submit fit notes explaining why the medical professionals treating you consider you are not able to work. It will be at the discretion of the medical professional who provides your fit note as to how long each fit note is issued for. If you are recently diagnosed with your health condition or disability, DWP guidance indicates that fit notes should be issued for no more than 3 months at a time. Therefore, you may have to provide several fit notes whilst you are awaiting assessment.
