The DWP are very insistent that (PIP) medical assessments are very different to Work Capability Assessment, which is used to determine if someone receiving ESA or UC is capable or work and/or work-related activity.
It is certainly true that the criteria for the two benefits are very different, but you may find the assessment process and some of the questions you are asked quite similar. Sometimes ESA medical reports are used as evidence when looking at PIP claims. If this happens to you and you disagree with the decision on your PIP claim, it is important to argue that the legal tests are different.
In 2023, the Government did make proposals to reform both PIP and the Work Capability Assessment. However, following the General Election on 4th July 2024, it is currently unclear whether the new Government plan to scrap or continue with the proposed reforms.
