Assessment Phase

The first part of your Employment and Support Allowance claim before a decision is made on your work capability assessment. If you're awarded, you will get any additional components after your Assessment Phase. 

The Assessment Phase usually lasts for at least 13 weeks. If it takes more than 13 weeks, you will continue to be paid at the Assessment Phase rate. If you're awarded extra money following the work capability assessment, this will be backdated to the 14th week of your claim. 

If you're appealing an Employment and Support Allowance decision, you will be paid at the Assessment Phase rate while waiting for the appeal hearing.