The Work Focused Health Related Assessment

The work focused health related assessment is part of the Work Capability Assessment for Employment and Support Allowance.

Claimants who are assessed as having limited capability for work but who are capable of work related activity will usually undergo this assessment. Claimants in the support group will not be required to attend this assessment.

The work-focused health-related assessment (WFHRA) collects additional information about the things that you can do despite your condition.  In this respect, it is coming from the opposite direction to the first two tests, which focus on the things you can’t do. The WFHRA also collects information about any health interventions that could improve your condition and thus support a move back into work. This could include the use of appropriate aids and adaptations. 

The information required for the WFHRA is collected on a WFHRA form, during the medical conducted by the health care professional working on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. This information will be then put into a ‘capability report’. If you are placed in the work-related activity group of claimants and are required to attend follow-up work-focused interviews, this report will be made available to both you and the personal adviser at each interview.

DWP has announced that, as part of the new Government’s welfare plans, the Work Focused Health Related Assessment (WFHRA) is to be suspended for two years from 19 July 2010. This is apparently due to the planned new ‘Work Programme’, which is intended to "offer an integrated package of support, providing personalised help for people who find themselves out of work, regardless of the benefit they claim".