Universal Credit reassessments now average 272 working days, DWP says
The Department for Work and Pensions reported that the average wait for a Work Capability Assessment reassessment is 272 working days, with claimants continuing to receive their current benefit level.
During a parliamentary inquiry, Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about the average waiting period for Work Capability Assessment (WCA) reassessments. Minister of State Stephen Timms replied that, as of October 1, 2026, the average delay for existing Universal Credit claimants awaiting a reassessment is 272 working days. He explained that the DWP continues to prioritise initial assessments to ensure correct benefit allocation, while also expanding the Health Assessment Advisory Service by recruiting and training additional healthcare professionals across all assessment suppliers.
The department monitors assessment volumes and works with suppliers to improve capacity and reduce delays. Claimants awaiting reassessment remain on their current benefit rate, and any entitlement to a higher rate will be back-dated to the date it arose. An addendum noted that the waiting-time figure is derived from unpublished management information and is not part of regular official statistics.
Why it matters
Long waits for benefit reassessments affect claimants' finances and highlight pressures on the welfare assessment system.
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