Disabled fear 'pencil test' to claim benefits

Disabled people are "living in fear" as they await new tests to determine whether they are fit enough to work, a charity says.

The work capability assessment (WCA) is being rolled out nationwide on Monday after pilot studies found that up to two-thirds of those claiming incapacity benefit could potentially work in some form, saving the country an estimated £2bn over five years.

The first of 1.6 million people selected for the 45-minute test – which asks, among other things, whether they are capable of lifting a pencil or turning a tap, will be told to attend interviews. Those who fail the points-based test will switch to the lower jobseeker's allowance of £65.45 a week.

Richard Hawkes, chief executive of Scope, the cerebral palsy charity, said: "If Government is serious about getting disabled people into work, and not just off incapacity benefit, they need to introduce [a test] that... enables people to access the right support, so they can get the job they want and deserve."