Updated March 2026 · ESAexpert.co.uk

WCA Activities and Descriptors Explained in Plain English

The Work Capability Assessment uses 17 activities with specific "descriptors" to score how your conditions affect your ability to work. Each descriptor has a point value, and you need 15 points total to qualify for Limited Capability for Work. This guide explains every activity in plain English.

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How descriptors work

Each activity has between 3 and 5 descriptors, ranging from the most severe limitation (usually 15 points) down to "none of the above applies" (0 points). The assessor picks the single highest-scoring descriptor that applies to you for each activity. Only ONE descriptor per activity counts - they do not add up within the same activity.

However, points from DIFFERENT activities DO add up. Your total score across all 17 activities determines your outcome. The same descriptors and 15-point threshold are used for the Universal Credit Work Capability Assessment, so this guide applies whether you claim ESA or Universal Credit.

Physical Activities (1-10)

1. Mobilising unaided (up to 15 points)

This asks how far you can walk without physical help from another person. You CAN use a walking stick, crutches, or manual wheelchair - "unaided" means without another person's physical support. If you cannot walk more than 50 metres without stopping due to significant pain or exhaustion, you score 15 points. If the limit is 100 metres, you score 9 points. If 200 metres, 6 points. This also covers going up and down two steps.

2. Standing and sitting (up to 15 points)

Can you remain at a work station - sitting, standing, or alternating - for a sustained period? If you cannot stay for more than 30 minutes before significant discomfort forces you to move away, you score 9 points. This is one of the most commonly scored activities for people with pain conditions, fibromyalgia, and back problems. The key word is "work station" - this means a desk, counter, or workbench as you would find in a workplace.

3. Reaching (up to 15 points)

How high can you raise your arms? If you cannot raise either arm to top pocket height, that is 15 points. To top of head height, 9 points. Above head height, 6 points.

4. Picking up and moving (up to 15 points)

Can you pick up and carry objects? The test uses specific weights: a 0.5 litre carton of liquid (15 points if you cannot), a 1 litre carton (9 points), or a light but bulky object like an empty box (6 points).

5. Manual dexterity (up to 15 points)

Can you use your hands for fine tasks? This covers pressing buttons, picking up coins, using a pen, and using a keyboard or mouse. If you cannot use a keyboard or mouse single-handedly, you score 9 points - which is extremely relevant in today's computer-based workplaces.

6-7. Communication (up to 15 points each)

Activity 6 covers making yourself understood - speaking, writing, typing. Activity 7 covers understanding others - hearing, processing information. Both are primarily for people with sensory impairments, speech difficulties, or severe cognitive issues.

8. Navigation (up to 15 points)

Can you navigate safely due to sensory impairment? This covers finding your way around and avoiding hazards like crossing roads.

9. Continence (up to 15 points)

Do you experience loss of bladder or bowel control? If this happens at least once a month and requires cleaning and changing clothing, you score 15 points. In a workplace context, continence issues are particularly impactful.

10. Consciousness (up to 15 points)

Do you have episodes of lost or altered consciousness? Seizures, blackouts, or episodes that significantly disrupt awareness or concentration. Weekly episodes score 15 points; monthly episodes score 6 points.

Mental, Cognitive and Intellectual Activities (11-17)

11. Learning tasks (up to 15 points)

Can you learn new things? If you cannot learn even a simple task like setting an alarm clock, 15 points. Cannot learn beyond a simple task, 9 points. Cannot learn beyond a moderately complex task like operating a washing machine, 6 points.

12. Awareness of hazards (up to 15 points)

Do you have reduced awareness of everyday dangers? If you need supervision most of the time to stay safe, 15 points. Frequently, 9 points. Occasionally, 6 points.

13. Initiating and completing personal action (up to 15 points)

Can you plan, start, and finish tasks? This covers organisation, problem-solving, prioritising, and switching between tasks. If due to impaired mental function you cannot reliably initiate or complete two or more sequential tasks, you score 15 points. This is where depression, anxiety, ADHD, brain fog, and cognitive impairment commonly score.

14. Coping with change (up to 15 points)

Can you handle changes to your routine? In a workplace, things change constantly. If you cannot cope with any change, 15 points. Cannot cope with minor planned changes, 9 points. Cannot cope with minor unplanned changes, 6 points.

15. Getting about (up to 15 points)

Can you get to places you need to go? This is about the mental or cognitive ability to plan and complete journeys, not physical mobility. If you cannot get to any familiar place outside your home, 15 points.

16. Social engagement (up to 15 points)

Can you cope with being around other people? If social contact is always precluded due to distress, 15 points. Always precluded with strangers, 9 points. Not possible with strangers the majority of the time, 6 points.

17. Behaviour (up to 15 points)

Do you have episodes of aggressive or disinhibited behaviour that would be unreasonable in a workplace? Daily episodes score 15 points.

Official sources

This guide reflects the official Work Capability Assessment rules. For the source material, see:

Guidance only, not legal advice. Rules can change - always check GOV.UK for the latest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a WCA descriptor?

A descriptor is a specific statement of difficulty within one of the 17 Work Capability Assessment activities, and each descriptor carries a fixed point value. For every activity the assessor selects the single highest-scoring descriptor that applies to you. The descriptors describe functional limitation in a workplace context, not your diagnosis.

How many WCA points do I need?

You need at least 15 points in total to be found to have Limited Capability for Work. Points are added up across all 17 activities, and physical points and mental or cognitive points combine into one total. Within a single activity, only the highest descriptor counts - the descriptors in the same activity do not stack.

Do physical and mental health points get added together?

Yes. The WCA treats physical activities (1-10) and mental, cognitive and intellectual activities (11-17) as one combined score. Someone who scores 9 points on a physical activity and 6 points on a mental activity reaches the 15-point threshold. This is why it is important to describe both physical and mental difficulties on your form.

Can I count more than one descriptor in the same activity?

No. Within any single activity only the highest-scoring descriptor that applies to you is counted, even if several descriptors describe difficulties you have. However, you do count one descriptor from each different activity, and those separate scores are added together to reach your total.

What is the difference between scoring 15 points and the Support Group?

Scoring 15 points across the activities gives you Limited Capability for Work. The Support Group (ESA) or LCWRA group (Universal Credit) is separate and pays more with no work-related requirements. You reach it by meeting a Schedule 3 descriptor, scoring 15 points on a single activity, or through the substantial-risk rule (Regulation 35 ESA 2008 or Regulation 40 UC).

How does the reliability test affect descriptors?

A descriptor only applies if you cannot do the activity reliably, repeatedly, safely and in a reasonable time for the majority of the time - more than half the time. If you can do something only on your good days, or only by causing yourself pain or exhaustion afterwards, the limiting descriptor can still apply. Always describe your typical day, not your best one.

Detailed guides for each WCA activity

Each of the 17 WCA activities has its own in-depth guide - the descriptors, point values, worked examples and evidence:

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