How long does a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) tribunal hearing last?

Last updated: June 2026

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Whether it is Universal Credit or ESA, a typical Work Capability Assessment (WCA) tribunal hearing lasts about 40 minutes. 

The panel will spend most of this time asking you questions about how your condition affects your daily life and your ability to work. 

Remember to focus on how you meet the descriptors in your answers. 

A hearing may last for up to one hour and 20 minutes if you need an interpreter. 

See Work capability assessment tribunal hearings to understand more about what will happen on the day and what you should do. 

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Work Capability Assessment descriptors and points

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