Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals
This guidance is for healthcare professionals who undertake Work Capability Assessments on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
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PublishedPublished:- 19 March 2013
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Work Capability Assessment (WCA) handbook
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(ODT version: Word-compatible) Work Capability Assessment (WCA) handbook
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Details
This guidance is for healthcare professionals approved or appointed by the Department for Work and Pensions Chief Medical Adviser to undertake Work Capability Assessments on behalf of the department.
Work Capability Assessments are carried out in connection with claims for Employment and Support Allowance.
This handbook is only a part of the training that a healthcare professional receives. Disability assessment is a practical occupation and much of the guidance involves verbal information and coaching.
Some of the information may not be readily understood without background medical knowledge and an awareness of the other training that healthcare professionals receive.
Why we publish this guide
We publish this guide to help people understand how we make decisions.
Information for claimants
Read about how to claim Employment and Support Allowance.
Updates to this page
Published 19 March 2013
Last updated 631 SeptemberAugust 2024
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Update history
2026-08-31 09:30
Replaced Work Capability Assessment handbook files with most up to date versions.
2024-09-06 00:01
Updated the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) handbook (PDF and ODT).
2023-10-19 11:57
Updated WCA PDF and ODT versions of handbook (2023 version).
2022-12-21 09:59
Updated Work Capability Assessment (WCA) handbook (PDF and ODT).
2022-10-10 10:20
Published correct up to date version of the Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals – version 18.
2022-10-06 14:56
Updated WCA handbook. Changes are listed on page 3.
Details
This guidance is for healthcare professionals approved or appointed by the Department for Work and Pensions Chief Medical Adviser to undertake Work Capability Assessments on behalf of the department.
Work Capability Assessments are carried out in connection with claims for Employment and Support Allowance.
This handbook is only a part of the training that a healthcare professional receives. Disability assessment is a practical occupation and much of the guidance involves verbal information and coaching.
Some of the information may not be readily understood without background medical knowledge and an awareness of the other training that healthcare professionals receive.
Why we publish this guide
We publish this guide to help people understand how we make decisions.
Information for claimants
Read about how to claim Employment and Support Allowance.
Updates to this page
Sign up for emails or print this page
Update history
2026-08-31 09:30
Replaced Work Capability Assessment handbook files with most up to date versions.
2024-09-06 00:01
Updated the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) handbook (PDF and ODT).
2023-10-19 11:57
Updated WCA PDF and ODT versions of handbook (2023 version).
2022-12-21 09:59
Updated Work Capability Assessment (WCA) handbook (PDF and ODT).
2022-10-10 10:20
Published correct up to date version of the Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals – version 18.
2022-10-06 14:56
Updated WCA handbook. Changes are listed on page 3.