Activity 12: Coping with change

Activity 12 is defined in regulations as -

Coping with change.

Activity 12 assesses the ability to cope with changes in normal routine whether permanent or not. The descriptor may be satisfied where small changes result in the individual being unable to manage day to day life.

Descriptor

The descriptor relating to Activity 12 is -

Cannot cope with any change, due to cognitive impairment or mental disorder, to the extent that day to day life cannot be managed.

Sources:

• Schedule 3 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 (SI.No.794/2008) and Schedule 3 to SR.No.280/2008 in Northern Ireland (apply to income-related and old-style contributory ESA).
• Schedule 3 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013 (SI.No.379/2013) and Schedule 3 to SR.No.219/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to new-style contributory ESA).
• Schedule 7 to the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 (SI.No.376/2013) and Schedule 7 to SR.No.216/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to universal credit).

See also section 2.3.1.13 of the DWP’s Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals.

Case law

Commentary:​ In [2013] UKUT 207 (AAC) the judge held that an individual will succeed under this activity if for the majority of time they cannot cope with 'any' change, even a less significant change. However, it is not of itself fatal that the claimant can sometimes cope with a change. The meaning of 'cope' has been considered in a number of cases including [2013] UKUT 405 (AAC) in which Judge Ward interprets it to mean 'to manage, deal (competently) with a situation or problem'. The judge adds that needing help from another person, or signs of stress reactions, may be indicators of a failure to cope. | Add commentary or suggest an edit.

• Failure of tribunal to ask sufficient questions when assessing limited capability for work
  • [2013] UKUT 405 (AAC)
  • CE/2649/2012
  • GC v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (ESA)
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Coping with change (LCW)
  • Coping with change (LCWRA)
  • Coping with social engagement (LCW)
  • Coping with social engagement (LCWRA)

  Read the rightsnet summary

• Application of WCA descriptors for the majority of the time
  • [2013] UKUT 207 (AAC)
  • CE/2771/2012
  • CH v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (ESA)
  • Coping with change (LCW)
  • Coping with change (LCWRA)
  • Coping with social engagement (LCW)
  • Coping with social engagement (LCWRA)
  • Majority of time / always

  Read the rightsnet summary