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<p>Ending modern slavery is one of this Government’s top priorities, and we are sensitive
to the challenges faced by victims. We have worked with the Salvation Army to improve
the service provided by DWP to victims. The purpose of the Work Capability Assessment
(WCA) is to assess the impact of mental and physical health conditions, including
any resulting from being a victim of modern slavery on a person, so that the right
level of benefit and support can be provided. There are no exemptions from being assessed
for those claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Universal Credit (UC)
due to illness or disability. In addition to completing the application form or forms
people or those supporting them are encouraged to provide additional evidence, including
medical reports, to support their claim. If it is possible for the assessor to provide
advice to the decision maker without requiring the claimant to attend a face-to-face
assessment, they will do so.</p><p><br></p><p>The WCA is not an annual assessment.
Re-referral dates can be up to 24 months for those found to have limited capability
for work, and up to 3 years for those found to have limited capability for work-related
activity. Furthermore, from 29 September 2017 those placed in ESA’s Support Group
and the UC equivalent who have the most severe and lifelong health conditions or disabilities,
whose level of function would always mean that they would have Limited Capability
for Work and Work-Related Activity, and be unlikely ever to be able to move into work,
will no longer be routinely reassessed.</p>
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