§ 17. Mr. Bill O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to change the all work test application forms; and if he will make a statement. [84007]
§ Mr. BayleyThe Benefits Agency regularly reviews the content of forms and leaflets to ensure they meet their purpose and that they are user friendly for customers. There are currently no plans to revise the questionnaire, which claimants complete for the all work test. Some improvements to the form were made in 1997 to make it easier for claimants to complete and to help them provide full information about the effects of their medical condition.
§ 36. Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on plans to change the all work test. [84029]
§ Mr. BayleyThe Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill contains provisions to replace the all work test with the Personal Capability Assessment. The Personal Capability Assessment will continue to determine, in the same way as now, whether the person meets the threshold of incapacity for entitlement to incapacity benefits. That threshold will not change but the Personal Capability Assessment will also be able to provide additional constructive information about what a person can do, despite their medical condition or disability. This additional information will help personal advisers give their clients the support they need to move back to work.
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