Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to reduce the time taken for (a) award decisions and (b) reimbursement payments for the Access to Work scheme.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We recognise the importance of clearing the backlog, which is why last year we increased the number of staff working in this area by 27% and we have continued to streamline delivery practises. We remain committed to reducing waiting times for claims, prioritising customers starting a job within the next four weeks.
In the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we consulted on the future of Access to Work and how to improve the scheme so that it helps more disabled people in work. We are reviewing all aspects of Access to Work as we develop plans for reform following the conclusion of the consultation.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the backlog of cases in the Access to Work scheme.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We recognise the importance of clearing the backlog, which is why last year we increased the number of staff working in this area by 27% and we have continued to streamline delivery practises. We remain committed to reducing waiting times for claims, prioritising customers starting a job within the next four weeks.
In the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we consulted on the future of Access to Work and how to improve the scheme so that it helps more disabled people in work. We are reviewing all aspects of Access to Work as we develop plans for reform following the conclusion of the consultation.
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, as of 31 October 2025 how many existing claimants awaiting Work Capability Assessments have had a) at least one scheduled assessment cancelled by Maximus b) at least two scheduled assessments cancelled by Maximus and c) more than two scheduled assessments cancelled by Maximus.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
As of 31 October 2025, there were approximately 74,000 new claimants and 40,000 existing claimants awaiting a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) with Maximus. These figures include all Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit claims currently held. These totals also encompass all claimants currently within Maximus’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered.
Very few people who are booked in for an assessment are not seen on the appointed day. However, on occasion unforeseen circumstances do arise, such as a claimant’s file has not been received, the health professional is unavailable due to illness, or there is a significant waiting time on the day. Maximus is required to make every possible effort to ensure the appointment can still go ahead before a cancellation is processed.
If it is anticipated that a claimant cannot be seen on the day of their appointment, or the assessment is delayed, Maximus is required to make every effort to contact the claimant by telephone to apologise and explain the action that will be taken to rearrange the appointment.
The number of new and existing claimants awaiting a WCA which have had their scheduled assessment cancelled by Maximus from the start of the Functional Assessment Services (FAS) contracts on 9 September 2024 up to the 31 October 2025 can be found in the table below.
Number of WCAs cancelled by Maximus | New Claimants | Existing Claimants |
Once | 640 | 250 |
Twice | 60 | 20 |
More than twice | 10 | 5 (identifies as 5 or less) |
Please note
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, as of 31 October 2025 how many new claimants awaiting Work Capability Assessments have had a) at least one scheduled assessment cancelled by Maximus b) at least two scheduled assessments cancelled by Maximus and c) more than two scheduled assessments cancelled by Maximus.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
As of 31 October 2025, there were approximately 74,000 new claimants and 40,000 existing claimants awaiting a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) with Maximus. These figures include all Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit claims currently held. These totals also encompass all claimants currently within Maximus’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered.
Very few people who are booked in for an assessment are not seen on the appointed day. However, on occasion unforeseen circumstances do arise, such as a claimant’s file has not been received, the health professional is unavailable due to illness, or there is a significant waiting time on the day. Maximus is required to make every possible effort to ensure the appointment can still go ahead before a cancellation is processed.
If it is anticipated that a claimant cannot be seen on the day of their appointment, or the assessment is delayed, Maximus is required to make every effort to contact the claimant by telephone to apologise and explain the action that will be taken to rearrange the appointment.
The number of new and existing claimants awaiting a WCA which have had their scheduled assessment cancelled by Maximus from the start of the Functional Assessment Services (FAS) contracts on 9 September 2024 up to the 31 October 2025 can be found in the table below.
Number of WCAs cancelled by Maximus | New Claimants | Existing Claimants |
Once | 640 | 250 |
Twice | 60 | 20 |
More than twice | 10 | 5 (identifies as 5 or less) |
Please note
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, as of 31 October 2025 how many a) new claimants and b) existing claimants were awaiting Work Capability Assessments provided by Maximus.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
As of 31 October 2025, there were approximately 74,000 new claimants and 40,000 existing claimants awaiting a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) with Maximus. These figures include all Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit claims currently held. These totals also encompass all claimants currently within Maximus’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered.
Very few people who are booked in for an assessment are not seen on the appointed day. However, on occasion unforeseen circumstances do arise, such as a claimant’s file has not been received, the health professional is unavailable due to illness, or there is a significant waiting time on the day. Maximus is required to make every possible effort to ensure the appointment can still go ahead before a cancellation is processed.
If it is anticipated that a claimant cannot be seen on the day of their appointment, or the assessment is delayed, Maximus is required to make every effort to contact the claimant by telephone to apologise and explain the action that will be taken to rearrange the appointment.
The number of new and existing claimants awaiting a WCA which have had their scheduled assessment cancelled by Maximus from the start of the Functional Assessment Services (FAS) contracts on 9 September 2024 up to the 31 October 2025 can be found in the table below.
Number of WCAs cancelled by Maximus | New Claimants | Existing Claimants |
Once | 640 | 250 |
Twice | 60 | 20 |
More than twice | 10 | 5 (identifies as 5 or less) |
Please note
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many existing claimants are waiting for Work Capability Assessment reassessments as of 31 October 2025.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The number of Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) for existing claimants undertaken in September 2025 was 3,100 and in October 2025 was 6,000.
As of 31 October 2025, approximately 100,000 existing claimants were awaiting WCAs. This total includes all existing claimants currently within the assessment suppliers’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered.
Due to unforeseen high levels of WCAs required in late 2024, a backlog of reassessment cases built up from individuals reporting a change in their condition before May 2025. We are working with suppliers to increase capacity for clearing this backlog, including by accelerating the recruitment of assessors. 6,000 of these referrals have already been progressed, and we expect the vast majority of the remainder to be cleared over the next six months.
Please note
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Work Capability Assessments for existing claimants were undertaken in (a) September 2025 and (b) October 2025.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The number of Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) for existing claimants undertaken in September 2025 was 3,100 and in October 2025 was 6,000.
As of 31 October 2025, approximately 100,000 existing claimants were awaiting WCAs. This total includes all existing claimants currently within the assessment suppliers’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered.
Due to unforeseen high levels of WCAs required in late 2024, a backlog of reassessment cases built up from individuals reporting a change in their condition before May 2025. We are working with suppliers to increase capacity for clearing this backlog, including by accelerating the recruitment of assessors. 6,000 of these referrals have already been progressed, and we expect the vast majority of the remainder to be cleared over the next six months.
Please note
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Work Capability Assessments for existing claimants were undertaken in each month since January 2025.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Department for Work and Pensions continues to monitor waiting times for Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) and works closely with assessment suppliers to manage demand and ensure claimants progress through the process as efficiently as possible. The department remains focused on maintaining a timely assessment service, while ensuring that support is directed to those who need it most.
The number of WCAs for new claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows.
Jan 25 | Feb 25 | Mar 25 | Apr 25 | May 25 | Jun 25 | Jul 25 | Aug 25 |
58,000 | 54,000 | 60,000 | 53,000 | 52,000 | 52,000 | 54,000 | 41,000 |
The number of WCAs for existing claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows.
Jan 25 | Feb 25 | Mar 25 | Apr 25 | May 25 | Jun 25 | Jul 25 | Aug 25 |
1,900 | 2,100 | 1,700 | 1,200 | 1,400 | 1,900 | 2,100 | 3,000 |
As of 31 August 2025, approximately 110,000 existing claimants were awaiting WCAs. This total includes all claimants currently within the assessment suppliers’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered.
Please note:
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Work Capability Assessments for new claimants were undertaken in each month since January 2025.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Department for Work and Pensions continues to monitor waiting times for Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) and works closely with assessment suppliers to manage demand and ensure claimants progress through the process as efficiently as possible. The department remains focused on maintaining a timely assessment service, while ensuring that support is directed to those who need it most.
The number of WCAs for new claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows.
Jan 25 | Feb 25 | Mar 25 | Apr 25 | May 25 | Jun 25 | Jul 25 | Aug 25 |
58,000 | 54,000 | 60,000 | 53,000 | 52,000 | 52,000 | 54,000 | 41,000 |
The number of WCAs for existing claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows.
Jan 25 | Feb 25 | Mar 25 | Apr 25 | May 25 | Jun 25 | Jul 25 | Aug 25 |
1,900 | 2,100 | 1,700 | 1,200 | 1,400 | 1,900 | 2,100 | 3,000 |
As of 31 August 2025, approximately 110,000 existing claimants were awaiting WCAs. This total includes all claimants currently within the assessment suppliers’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered.
Please note:
Asked by: Chris Law (Scottish National Party - Dundee Central)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many existing claimants are waiting for Work Capability Assessment reassessments.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Department for Work and Pensions continues to monitor waiting times for Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) and works closely with assessment suppliers to manage demand and ensure claimants progress through the process as efficiently as possible. The department remains focused on maintaining a timely assessment service, while ensuring that support is directed to those who need it most.
The number of WCAs for new claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows.
Jan 25 | Feb 25 | Mar 25 | Apr 25 | May 25 | Jun 25 | Jul 25 | Aug 25 |
58,000 | 54,000 | 60,000 | 53,000 | 52,000 | 52,000 | 54,000 | 41,000 |
The number of WCAs for existing claimants undertaken in each month since January 2025 are as follows.
Jan 25 | Feb 25 | Mar 25 | Apr 25 | May 25 | Jun 25 | Jul 25 | Aug 25 |
1,900 | 2,100 | 1,700 | 1,200 | 1,400 | 1,900 | 2,100 | 3,000 |
As of 31 August 2025, approximately 110,000 existing claimants were awaiting WCAs. This total includes all claimants currently within the assessment suppliers’ caseload, including those at the questionnaire stage and those for whom further medical evidence is being gathered.
Please note: