Types of assessment
The Health Assessment Advisory Service provides different methods of assessment which may be dependent on your health condition or disability.
These are face-to-face assessments, telephone assessments, or video assessments.
Please contact us if you would like to change your method of assessment and we can discuss alternative arrangements.
More information on what to expect at each type of assessment is provided below.
Face-to-face assessments
You may be invited to a face-to-face assessment at one of our Assessment Centres. These should be within 90 minutes travel time by public transport.
Your appointment letter will include information about the assessment and directions to the Assessment Centre. If you need help before your assessment, require an interpreter, or any other reasonable adjustments, please contact us at least two days before your assessment.
You should also contact us if you would like us to make an audio recording of your assessment. You can also make an audio recording of your face-to-face assessment on your own device and take notes.
The Health Assessment Advisory Service will pay expenses for:
- Public transport travel
- Fuel costs for private cars
- Parking when it is not available at the Assessment Centre
We encourage you to bring a family member, friend, or support worker to your face-to-face assessment. If you wish to claim expenses for a companion, please contact us before your appointment.
For your expenses to be paid, you will need to complete an expenses form which will be provided at the Assessment Centre.
The receptionist at the Assessment Centre can help you complete the form. Remember to bring your bank details with you if you want to claim expenses. You should receive payment within approximately two weeks after you return the form.
When attending an Assessment Centre, please remember to bring two proofs of identity including your National Insurance Number (NINO) as well as any medication you may be taking.
The Functional Assessor undertaking your assessment will check your identity and explain what you should expect.
Face-to-face assessments often last between 20 minutes and 1 hour depending on the type of benefit being assessed, however they may take longer if necessary.
During your assessment, you can expect to be asked about your health conditions or disabilities and how your condition affects your day-to-day life. Depending on your illness or disability and the benefit you are being assessed for, the Functional Assessor may ask you to take part in a physical examination. This may include:
- Blood pressure, sight, hearing and other tests
- Movements like stretching, standing and bending
If you are concerned that any movements will cause you pain, please tell the Functional Assessor at the assessment.
After your assessment you can give feedback using a form available at the Assessment Centre or by contacting us afterwards.
Telephone assessments
Some assessments can be completed by telephone. If you are invited to a telephone assessment, you will receive a letter from the Health Assessment Advisory Service which will provide further details on your assessment.
If you need help before your assessment, require an interpreter, or any other reasonable adjustments, please contact us at least two days before your assessment.
You may also contact us if you would like us to make an audio recording of your assessment. You can also make an audio recording of your telephone assessment on your own device and take notes.
You should be ready for a Functional Assessor to call you 10 minutes in advance of your appointment. Please make sure your phone is fully charged and that you have a quiet place with good reception to answer the call.
Telephone assessments often last between 20 minutes and 1 hour depending on which benefit you are being assessed for, however they may take longer if necessary.
You can have someone with you on a telephone assessment. If they cannot be in person with you, we can add them to the telephone call. We will ask you for their number and they should be ready to answer the phone at the time of your appointment.
If you are unable to attend your assessment or have missed a call from the Functional Assessor, please contact us as soon as possible.
The Functional Assessor undertaking your assessment will check your identity and explain what you should expect.
During your assessment, you can expect to be asked about your health conditions or disabilities and how your condition affects your day-to-day life.
After your assessment you can give feedback on your assessment by contacting us.
Video assessments
You may be invited to a video assessment. The letter inviting you to your assessment will include details on how to join your assessment.
Ahead of your assessment, you are recommended to test your equipment. You can do this by visiting:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) video assessment
- Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) video assessment
Please make sure you use the correct link for the benefit you are applying for.
If you need help before your assessment, require an interpreter, or any other reasonable adjustments, please contact us at least two days before your assessment.
Please note that video recording of your assessment is not permitted.
You should enter the video assessment waiting room 10 minutes in advance of your appointment. Please make sure your device is fully charged and that you have a quiet place with good reception to take part in the assessment.
Video assessments often last between 20 minutes and 1 hour, however they may take longer if necessary.
If you are unable to attend your assessment or are having problems with your equipment, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting us.
The Functional Assessor undertaking your assessment will check your identity and explain what you should expect.
During your assessment, you can expect to be asked about your health conditions or disabilities and how your condition affects your day-to-day life depending on the benefit you are being assessed for.
Depending on your illness or disability, the Functional Assessor may ask you to take part in movements like stretching, standing, and bending.
If you are concerned that any movements will cause you pain, please tell the Functional Assessor at the assessment.
After your assessment you can give feedback on your assessment by contacting us.