The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update to people claiming benefits who are due to attend an in-person interview.
As Scotland and the UK adjust to living with covid, the DWP and assessment practitioners have introduced measures to ensure meetings can be carried out safely.
While coronavirus restrictions were relaxed earlier this year, some precautions remain in effect for certain benefits claimants attending face-to-face interviews.
READ MORE — BBC Shetland: Glasgow institution features in 'starring role' in new series
This includes:
- Work Capability Assessment (WCA), if you are claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
- Other benefits that require a health assessment delivered by Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA) on behalf of DWP
According to DWP guidance, claimants due to attend an assessment are urged to look at the letter they receive before the appointment. This will include additional information on how to minimise the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus.
As reported by the Daily Record, the DWP also urged: “Do not attend your assessment if you or anyone coming with you has symptoms of Covid-19 or has tested positive for Covid-19.”
Claimants who test positive are urged to get in touch with the assessment provider as soon as possible. Contact details will be included in the letter they receive.
The new guidelines also state that if you require additional support during your assessment, you are permitted to bring someone with you — but children are not allowed in the assessment.
The GOV.UK guidance says: “Please do not bring children with you to your assessment. If you have children and cannot make childcare arrangements, please contact the assessment provider straight away using the contact details in your appointment letter so they can discuss the best way to carry out your assessment.”
The DWP has also suggested that anybody else attending the assessment should wear a face covering where possible.
In addition, the DWP states: “To reduce the amount of time you will have to wait, please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your appointment start time,” DWP advises
During your assessment
The DWP advises that claimants wear their face covering at all times during an assessment. It said: “During your assessment, the healthcare professional will observe you while you demonstrate any movements. They may need to physically examine you but they will wear more protective equipment such as an additional face shield, an apron, and gloves.”
If the professional carrying out the assessment believes you, or anybody with you, is demonstrating Covid-19 symptoms, they will end the assessment and you will be asked to leave.
Full guidance can be found here.
READ MORE —
- Glasgow property: Inside the 'incredible' 1 bedroom flat to rent for £1,500 a month
- Tesco shoppers praise return of summer childhood treat they 'had as a kid'
- Drivers warned of £1,000 fine for swearing under little-known law
- Some DWP Universal Credit claimants denied £326 cost of living payment
- Cheapest Glasgow Airport September flights under £40 including France and Croatia
