The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed a major rule change affecting Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit and new-style Employment and Support Allowance from today (April 30). Under new legislation, claimants who start work or volunteer will no longer automatically trigger a benefit reassessment.
Dubbed 'Right to Try', the change is designed to give sick and disabled people the confidence to enter employment without fear of losing their benefits. The Government has backed the move with a £3.5billion investment in tailored employment support by 2030.
Disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms said: 'We are determined that disabled people should have the confidence to try work. Our ‘Right to Try’ legislation will come into force on Thursday. People claiming can take steps towards employment and be confident that doing so will not automatically trigger benefit reassessment.'
The rule applies to recipients of PIP and Universal Credit who have been assessed as having Limited Capability for Work or Limited Capability for Work Related Activity. It also covers those on new-style ESA placed in the Work Related Activity Group or Support Group, as well as people receiving both benefits with a single assessment outcome.
Sir Stephen also highlighted an urgent need to address the rise in young people not in work, education or training. He said the Government will await a review by former health secretary Alan Milburn, due in September, before deciding whether to delay access to the Universal Credit health element until age 22, noting there would need to be exceptions.
