Benefits and Work has now published a highly detailed guide to completing the WCA50 questionnaire.
The WCA50 capability for work questionnaire replaced the UC50/ESA50 forms from 24 November 2025.
The law that stands behind the work capability assessment (WCA) is unchanged, but the DWP have now stopped sending out separate ESA50 and WCA50 forms and combined the forms for both benefits into a single WCA50 form.
However, If you were sent an old version of the form, you can still complete and return it, you do not need to use the new form.
Members can download the guide to completing the WCA50 from this page.
The comprehensive guide covers:
How to start your claim for ESA
How to start, or change, your claim for UC
How you move from claim to assessment to award
The different routes into the work-related activity group – with or without points
Seven ways to before found to have limited capability for work without scoring any points
Should you score enough points to get into the work-related activity group?
Four ways to get into the support group without using the descriptors
More on the very important ‘substantial risk’ rules
Should you be in the support group/ have LCWRA because a descriptor applies to you?
Meeting the severe conditions criteria
Completing the WCA50 questionnaire
How to show you score points even if you can actually do an activity
Aids and appliances
How to complete pages 1-7
Completing Physical functions and Mental, Cognitive and Intellectual functions
How to explain problems with: Eating and drinking
How to explain problems with: Moving around and using steps
How to explain problems with: Standing and sitting
How to explain problems with: Reaching
How to explain problems with: Picking up and moving things
How to explain problems with: Manual dexterity (using your hands)
How to explain problems with: Communicating – speaking, writing and typing
How to explain problems with: Communicating – hearing and reading
How to explain problems with: Getting around safely
How to explain problems with: Controlling your bowels and bladder and using a collecting device
How to explain problems with: Staying conscious when awake
How to explain problems with: Learning how to do tasks
How to explain problems with: Awareness of hazards or danger
How to explain problems with: Starting and finishing tasks
How to explain problems with: Coping with changes
How to explain problems with: Going out
How to explain problems with: Coping with social situations
How to explain problems with: Behaving appropriately
Work Capability Assessment
Providing ‘Other information’
If you are returning this questionnaire late
What to do now
Signing the ‘Declaration’
Cancer treatment – for completion by a healthcare professional
Supporting evidence means more chance of success
What kind of assessment will you have?
Who carries out the assessment?
Audio recording your assessment
Paper-based assessment
Getting an appointment for a telephone assessment
Face-to-face assessment– will you have to have one?
Preparing for a face-to-face assessment
Questions you are likely to be asked at your assessment
How the decision is made and what to do when you get it
Where to look for help with claims and appeals
