The application and assessment process can be very stressful for claimants, and unacceptable delays are exacerbating these problems. We recognise that waiting times have begun to fall but are concerned that with increasing demand this could be a recurring problem. We recommend that the new contracts for assessment providers contain explicit clearance time targets with appropriate sanctions where these are missed.

The application and assessment process can be very stressful for claimants, and unacceptable delays are exacerbating these problems. We recognise that waiting times have begun to fall but are concerned that with increasing demand this could be a recurring problem. We recommend that the new contracts for assessment providers contain explicit clearance time targets with appropriate sanctions where these are missed. Type: recommendation | Number: 9 | Paragraph: 47 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: The new Functional Assessment Service contracts include specific end-to-end clearance targets for: • PIP Services • WCA Services • Special Rules for End of Life The Department will assess providers’ delivery against these targets under the performance regime. In the event of repeated performance fai