The second part of the WCA considers whether you have a ‘limited capability for work-related activity’.

The descriptors – T he assessment has a list of ‘descriptors’ relating to both physical and mental/cognitive functions.

For universal credit, if you meet at least one of these descriptors, you will receive the limited capability for work-related activity amount (see Chapter 15(6) ) and none of the work-related conditions will apply to you (see Box E.3 in Chapter 17).

For ESA, if you meet at least one of these descriptors, you will be placed in the support group (see Chapter 11(5) ), in which case your ESA can be paid at a higher level, you will not need to take part in work-related activities and any ESA awarded will not be limited to 12 months.

The descriptors are grouped together under 16 activity headings, which are listed in Box D.5 .

In the assessment, an inability to do an activity m