Guidance on the 2025 updates to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).

The WCA is a functional assessment that evaluates an individual’s ability to work to determine their eligibility for specific elements of Universal Credit (UC) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Latest Reforms to the Work Capability Assessment (2025)

The UK government is implementing significant reforms to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and welfare policies, aiming to simplify the benefits system, increase employment for those with health conditions, and ensure the long-term viability of public welfare spending.

The most notable reform is the gradual phasing out of the WCA by 2028. Instead, eligibility for health-related support within Universal Credit (UC) will be assessed using the current Personal Independence Payment (PIP) framework.

Legislation is being enacted to safeguard claimants during this transition, ensuring that individuals who try working will not be immediately reassessed or lose benefits if they later cannot sustain employment. Importantly, the government has retracted the descriptor changes proposed in 2023, following a High Court ruling in January 2025 that found the consultation process legally defective.

Consequently, descriptors like ‘mobilising’, ‘getting about’, and ‘substantial risk’ will remain as they are. Other changes include a decrease in the health component for UC claimants to £50 per week starting in April 2026, with its complete removal for claimants under 22. Concurrently, an extra £1 billion per year will be invested to improve employment support services by 2029/30.

This includes the introduction of a new ‘Right to Try’ initiative, enabling disabled individuals to attempt work without risking their benefits if they are unable to continue.

Overview of the Work Capability Assessment

The Work Capability Assessment evaluates how a health condition or disability affects a claimant’s ability to work. Based on the assessment, individuals are categorized into one of the following groups:

  • Fit for Work: Claimants are expected to seek employment.
  • Limited Capability for Work (LCW): Claimants are not required to work but are expected to prepare for work.
  • Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA): Claimants are not expected to work or prepare for work due to severe health conditions.

The assessment considers various physical and mental health descriptors to determine the appropriate category.

Key Changes to the WCA in 2025

Effective in 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced several modifications to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). These changes aim to provide enhanced support for individuals with health conditions, reflecting the shifts in modern workplace dynamics.

  1. Removal of the ‘Mobilising’ Descriptor: The ‘mobilising’ activity, which assessed physical movement capabilities, has been removed from the LCWRA criteria. This change acknowledges that many individuals can engage in work-related activities with appropriate support, even if they have mobility challenges. 
  2. Adjustment to the ‘Getting About’ Descriptor: Points awarded for difficulties in navigating unfamiliar places have been reduced, reflecting increased opportunities for remote and flexible working arrangements. 
  3. Refinement of ‘Substantial Risk’ Criteria: The application of the ‘substantial risk’ provision, which exempts individuals from work-related activities if such activities pose a significant risk to their health, has been narrowed to apply only in exceptional circumstances. 
  4. Terminology Updates: To focus on individuals’ capabilities rather than limitations, the DWP has updated terminology:
    • ‘Limited Capability for Work’ is now referred to as ‘Work Preparation’.
    • ‘Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity’ is now referred to as ‘Health Group’. 

Impact on Claimants

These changes primarily affect new claimants of UC and ESA from 2025 onwards. Existing claimants whose circumstances remain unchanged are not required to undergo a new assessment. Reassessments will occur only under specific conditions:

  • Reported changes in health condition.
  • LCWRA awarded for pregnancy risk or short-term cancer treatment.
  • Cases involving suspected fraud. 

DWP forecasts indicate that by 2028-29, roughly 371,000 people are expected to move from the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) group to a system offering tailored support to help them return to employment.

‘Chance to Work’ Guarantee

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has established the ‘Chance to Work’ Guarantee to support Health Group claimants in considering employment. This initiative assures individuals that they can try working without an immediate Work Capability Assessment reassessment or a decrease in their existing health-related benefits. This aims to alleviate concerns about losing benefits when exploring job opportunities.

Actionable Guidance for 2025

  • Review Eligibility: If you are a new claimant applying for UC or ESA, familiarize yourself with the updated WCA descriptors and criteria.
  • Report Changes Promptly: Inform the DWP of any changes in your health condition to ensure your benefit status accurately reflects your current circumstances.
  • Utilize Available Support: Engage with employment support services offered through the DWP’s Back to Work Plan, including the WorkWell service and Universal Support programs.
  • Maintain Documentation: Keep thorough records of medical assessments and communications with healthcare providers to support your claims and any necessary reassessments.
  • Seek Professional Advice: Consult with welfare advisors or legal professionals if you require assistance understanding how these changes may affect your benefits.

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