WCA Phone Assessment - What to Expect and How to Prepare

Updated May 2026

Many WCA assessments are now conducted by telephone rather than face-to-face. While this can feel less intimidating, it also means the assessor cannot see your physical limitations - making your verbal descriptions even more important.

Before the Call

The DWP or assessment provider will write to you with a date and time for your telephone assessment. You can request to change this if it does not suit you. Before the call:

• Re-read your ESA50/UC50 form - the assessor has a copy and will compare what you say
• Write notes for each of the 17 activities - have them in front of you during the call
• List your medications with doses and side effects
• Prepare specific examples of how your conditions affect you day-to-day
• Ask someone to be with you - they can provide additional information and moral support
• Request recording - you have the right to record the call. Inform them at the start.

During the Assessment

The assessor will work through the 17 WCA activities, asking questions about each one. For every question:

• Describe your worst typical day, not your best
• Give specific examples with details (times, distances, frequencies)
• Always relate your answer to a workplace context
• If you need a moment to think, say so - silence is fine
• Do not try to sound positive or capable - this is not a job interview

Common Phone Assessment Questions

Expect questions like:

• "How long can you sit in a chair?" - Think work station, not sofa. "I cannot sit at a desk for more than 20 minutes."
• "How far can you walk?" - Be specific. "About 100 metres on level ground before I need to stop."
• "Can you learn new tasks?" - Think workplace training. "I cannot retain new information due to brain fog from my medication."
• "How do you cope with changes?" - Think workplace changes. "Any unexpected change causes severe anxiety and I cannot function."

Advantages of Phone Assessments

• You can have notes in front of you - use them
• You are in your own environment - less stressful
• No travel required
• The assessor cannot make assumptions based on how you look or walked into the room

After the Call

Write down everything you remember from the assessment immediately afterwards. Note which activities were discussed, what you said, and anything you forgot to mention. If you recorded the call, keep the recording safely. The decision usually arrives within 4-6 weeks.

Related Guides

• Complete WCA guide
• How to fill in the ESA50 form
• Mandatory reconsideration guide
• How to qualify for the Support Group
• What to say at your WCA assessment