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Activities » Limited Capability for Work » Physical disabilities »

Activity 1: Mobilising

Activity 1 is defined in regulations as -

Mobilising unaided by another person with or without a walking stick, manual wheelchair or other aid if such aid is normally or could reasonably be, worn or used.

Activity 1 assesses the ability to move around and to use steps - points are awarded depending on how far a claimant can move safely and repeatedly on level ground without needing to stop - including the use of aids such as a manual wheelchair, crutches or walking stick which are normally or could reasonably be used. The activity also assesses the ability to go up or down two steps without the help of another person.

Note: in Autumn 2023, the government launched a consultation on reform of the work capability assessment including proposals to either remove the LCW mobilising activity or reduce the points awarded for its descriptors. However in its November 2023 response to the consultation, the government confirmed that it will not change the LCW mobilising activity or descriptors.

Descriptors

The descriptors that relate to Activity 1 are -

  1. Cannot, unaided by another person, either: (i) mobilise more than 50 metres on level ground without stopping in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion; or (ii) repeatedly mobilise 50 metres within a reasonable timescale because of significant discomfort or exhaustion. 15 points
  2. Cannot, unaided by another person, mount or descend two steps even with the support of a handrail. 9 points
  3. Cannot, unaided by another person, either: (i) mobilise more than 100 metres on level ground without stopping in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion; or (ii) repeatedly mobilise 100 metres within a reasonable timescale because of significant discomfort or exhaustion.  9 points
  4. Cannot, unaided by another person, either: (i) mobilise more than 200 metres on level ground without stopping in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion; or (ii) repeatedly mobilise 200 metres within a reasonable timescale because of significant discomfort or exhaustion. 6 points
  5. None of the above applies. 0 points

Sources:

See also section 3.2.2 of the DWP’s Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals.

Case law

Commentary: The reported three-judge panel decision [2015] AACR 5 considers many previous conflicting decisions about the factors to be taken into account in assessing whether it is reasonable for a person to use a wheelchair, and sets out guidance to the application of Activity 1 for claimants who do not normally use manual wheelchairs. | Add commentary or suggest an edit.