Face-to-face assessments for a string of benefits will resume in England in May, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirms.
Face-to-face assessments for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) claimants restarted on April 12.
In-person assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCAs), for claims for the additional health amount of Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will resume next month across England.
People will be invited for their appointments by letter, which will clearly set out what to expect.
These will take place alongside existing paper-based assessments, and telephone assessments (for WCAs and PIP), which will continue to take place where suitable.
Appointments for these benefits will restart in Wales and Scotland from the point on their roadmap when socialising indoors is allowed.
The DWP stopped doing face-to-face assessments due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On reopening to the public, Job Centres will be Covid secure and there will be a string of social distancing rules for claimants, as well as staff.
"This covers measures such as social distancing requirements, sanitisation, PPE and face coverings.
"Our approach and guidance will be kept under review to ensure the department’s approach remains aligned with the latest public health guidance," DWP says.
All attendees must wear a face covering inside the Job Centre building - this also includes anyone who comes with you to your appointment.
There also may be sign markings on the floor, which must be followed and everyone is required to keep a two metre distance.
