Yesterday (29.06.26), GOV UK released a press release regarding ‘Health assessments to be recorded as standard in major transparency drive' and states an audio recording will be taken at benefit assessments and this applies to face-to-face and telephone assessments only. According to further information, video assessments cannot be recorded due to technical limitations,
The change means that claimants undergoing assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Work Capability Assessments (WCA) in Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) will have their assessment automatically recorded, unless they choose to opt out.
GOV UK
Summary of main points from GOV UK (captured by AI, checked by MEA)
- From 29 June 2026, all telephone and face-to-face health assessments are automatically audio recorded.
- Recording is optional – you can opt out before or during your assessment, and you will not be disadvantaged or experience delays if you do.
- Video assessments are not currently recorded due to technical limitations.
- If having your assessment recorded is important to you, please contact them before your appointment using the number at the top of your appointment letter.
If you do not want to be recorded
- Contact the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS) before your appointment, or tell the health professional during the assessment.
- You must opt out separately for each future assessment.
How recordings are used
- Recordings are made to provide an accurate record of the assessment.
- DWP decision makers do not use the recordings when deciding your claim.
- Recordings may be used if there is a complaint, dispute, or review of how the assessment was carried out.
Getting a copy of your recording
- You can request your assessment recording at any time during the assessment or by calling the number on your appointment letter.
- When it's ready, you'll receive a text message with a secure download link. You'll need:
- A smartphone.
- Your National Insurance number.
The download link:
- Expires after 7 days if unused.
- Allows downloads for 24 hours after the first download.
- If you need help downloading your recording, you may share the link with a trusted friend or someone supporting you, but you should not share it more widely.
- It must not be published or reproduced.
- DWP reserve the right to act if the recording is used for unlawful purposes.
- If you can't access it digitally, you can request a copy from DWP via a Right of Access request or by writing to them.
Privacy and storage
- Recordings are kept securely under data protection law.
- They are normally stored for 24 months, although they may be kept longer if there's an ongoing dispute.
- They must only be used in relation to your claim and must not be published or shared publicly.
- If a recording is misused (for example, altered and published maliciously), DWP may take action.
Your rights
- Recording is your choice.
- You can ask DWP's Data Protection Officer to delete your recording.
- Your personal information and recording are handled in accordance with data protection law.
N.B. This is the latest online news regarding benefit assessments. Any further questions you may have should be directed to your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Disclaimer: The information in this website blog was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. As benefit legislation and guidance may change, it is the responsibility of the claimant to ensure they are using the most up-to-date information from UK Government website sources. The ME Association accepts no responsibility for consequences arising from reliance on information that may have changed since the date of publication.