About Employment and Support Allowance

The Government provides a range of benefits for people who are out of work or unable to work due to a long-term health condition.  

If you are claiming benefits as a result of a disability, injury or ill health, you may be required by DfC to have an assessment with a qualified healthcare professional as part of your claim process.

Capita carries out Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS) consultations on behalf of DfC. The purpose of the consultation is to understand how an individual’s health condition or disability affects their ability to work.

All our healthcare professionals have at least two years’ post-qualification experience, are registered with their respective Medical Body and are approved by DfC. Our healthcare professionals conduct the consultations using criteria set out by the DfC and provide independent advice in a consultation report. Consultations can take place face-to-face at a consultation centre, or by video, or on the telephone.

DfC decision makers review the consultation report, along with any other additional information they have received, to decide on your entitlement to benefit. We do not decide your benefit entitlement. DfC will notify you of the outcome of your claim.

We cannot give you advice or provide an opinion on the outcome of your claim. DfC decision makers may use other information when considering your entitlement to benefit.  We are not informed of the outcome of individual decisions, and we have no targets related to decisions made.