WCA – Exceptional Opportunities, 25 & 26 March 2024 ONLINE

The work capability assessment (WCA) test dominates ESA and UC in relation to sick claimants. The ‘exceptional circumstances test (otherwise ‘risk to self or others’) should apply with equal force to those denied WCA points, but is often neglected by DWP decision makers and it does not even feature in the ESA50 / UC50 assessment forms.

If ignored, many claimants will suffer because this vital route to entitlement is being unjustly disregarded, including those with mental health problems.

The course covers:

• WCA regulations relevant to ‘exceptional circumstances’
• The relevance of current case law to assist us
• Particular problem areas in relation to exceptional circumstances
• How to set out exceptional circumstances clearly in a claim format
• Using the law and case law to issue an effective revision or appeal

This online training course will help ensure that ‘exceptional circumstances’ rules are properly applied using regulations, guidance and case law. This will mean more effective claims, revisions and appeals.

For more expansive training aimed at frontline advisers helping UC claimants into work, please also see our Challenging WCA Decisions training course.

Method of delivery and timings

This full-day experienced level course will be delivered online via Zoom over two consecutive mornings. It runs from 10am to 1pm on each day, with a half hour break between 11.15-11.45.

It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and group discussion. Participants will need a Wi-Fi connection and a suitable device to access the internet. It is not recommended to join via a mobile phone. Participants will receive an email a few days before the start of the course, with a link to the event hosted on our AskCPAG elearning platform.