Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken (1) to suspend reassessments for sickness and disability benefit, and (2) to ensure that the entitlements to existing awards are maintained, throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The safety of DWP’s claimants and staff is our number one priority. As a result of the Government’s decision to move to the “Delay” phase to manage the Covid-19 outbreak, we have taken the precautionary decision to suspend all face-to-face assessments for health and disability related benefits with immediate effect. This includes Personal Independence Payment, the Industrial Injuries Scheme and Work Capability Assessments in both Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit. Existing claimants in receipt of a health or disability related benefit will continue to receive their benefit payments while we consider alternative arrangements to review or reassess existing entitlement.