Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his policy is on providing employment and support allowance for claimants whose medical assessments are significantly delayed who are then judged to be fit for work, but may not have been for a part of the intervening period; and what mechanism his Department has in place for such claimants to make representations to his Department in such cases.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) continues to be paid to claimants whilst they await a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). Following the WCA, if the claimant is found fit for work, ESA will cease.

Where the claimant disagrees with the outcome of the WCA they can apply for a Mandatory Reconsideration to look at the decision again. If the decision remains unchanged, the claimant can appeal to an independent tribunal.