Last reviewed: 30 June 2026
TL;DR: From 29 June 2026, all face-to-face and telephone health assessments for PIP, Work Capability Assessments and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit are automatically audio recorded by default. Claimants can opt out. The system moves from opt-in, used by fewer than 3 percent of claimants, to opt-out as the default.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced on 29 June 2026 that face-to-face and telephone health assessments for disability and sickness benefits will now be audio recorded as standard, in a move described as a major transparency drive for the benefits system.
What is changing
Assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Work Capability Assessments carried out for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit will now be automatically recorded unless a claimant chooses to opt out. This replaces the previous system, where claimants had to actively request a recording themselves, despite the option being available through invitation letters and assessment supplier websites.
Why the change was made
Under the previous opt-in system, fewer than 3 percent of claimants requested a recording. The DWP says feedback from disabled people, the organisations that represent them and disability-focused research found that some claimants lack trust in the health assessment process. The policy delivers on a commitment first set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, published 18 March 2025.
How recordings will be used
The DWP says recordings will be used as a learning tool to identify potential improvements to assessment quality, and will be made available to claimants who wish to appeal their initial benefit award. With around 2 million health assessments carried out each year, the change is intended to improve consistency and build trust in the process at scale.
Can claimants still opt out?
Yes. The DWP has confirmed that claimants who do not wish to have their assessment recorded may opt out. The default position has simply reversed: recording now happens automatically unless a claimant takes action to decline it, rather than only happening if a claimant actively requested it.
KEY FACTS
- Effective from 29 June 2026
- Covers PIP, Work Capability Assessments and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Default switches from opt-in to opt-out; claimants can still decline
- Previous opt-in take-up was under 3% of claimants
- Around 2 million health assessments are carried out each year
RELATED GUIDES
This article is for general information only and does not constitute benefits or legal advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult GOV.UK or Citizens Advice for guidance specific to a benefits claim.
Frequently asked questions
Which benefits does the recording change apply to?
PIP, Work Capability Assessments for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
Can I opt out of having my assessment recorded?
Yes. Recording is now the default, but claimants can choose to opt out.
Can I use the recording if I appeal my benefit decision?
The DWP says recordings will be made available to claimants who wish to appeal their initial benefit award.
Why did the DWP make recording the default?
Take-up of the previous opt-in system was under 3%, despite the option being available, so the DWP switched the default to opt-out to improve transparency and trust in the process.
Sources
DWP / GOV.UK, Health assessments to be recorded as standard in major transparency drive
