Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how his Department ensures individuals with (a) hidden and (b) fluctuating disabilities are properly assessed and receive adequate support.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
The Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) conducting the Work Capability Assessment and the Personal Independence Payment assessment are trained specialists in disability analysis. Their focus is on understanding the functional impact of a customer’s condition, rather than its clinical diagnosis. All HCPs receive specific training on assessing the effects of physical and mental health conditions, including those that may be considered ‘hidden disabilities’ and those that fluctuate.
HCPs also have access to a wide range of core training and guidance materials. These resources offer detailed clinical and functional information and are quality assured to ensure their accuracy from both a clinical and policy perspective. These materials cover a broad spectrum of hidden and fluctuating conditions.
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