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<p>Repeat assessments serve an important role, as they ensure that claimants are receiving
the amount of benefit that correctly reflects the extent of the impact that their
disability or health condition has on their functional ability. However, we recognise
that some people have severe conditions that are unlikely to change.</p><p> </p><p>As
outlined in the Health & Disability White Paper, we are testing a Severe Disability
Group so those with severe and lifelong conditions that are unlikely to improve can
benefit from a simplified process without ever needing to complete a detailed application
form or go through a face-to-face assessment or frequent re-assessments. It is being
tested on a small scale across a range of health conditions to make sure it works
as intended.</p><p> </p><p>We have also made changes to reduce unnecessary reassessments.
For instance, the Severe Conditions Criteria (SCC) were introduced in 2017 and are
applied during the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). They identify claimants who have
severe disabling lifelong conditions that will never improve, and whose level of function
would always mean that they are unlikely ever to be able to move into work. Claimants
who meet the SCC will not be routinely reassessed.</p><p> </p><p>For Personal Independence
Payment (PIP) claimants, we have ensured that people whose needs will not improve
and most people over State Pension age, receive an ongoing PIP award with a ‘light
touch’ review at the 10-year point. Ongoing awards can be applied to any level or
combination of award outcome, so long as the person’s needs are unlikely to change.
A review can take place sooner if a person’s needs change.</p><p> </p><p>We are committed
to supporting people with autism to access the right benefits and the right support.
This is why all assessors conducting WCAs and Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
assessments receive training on assessing people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.</p>
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