The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that participation in its Connect to Work programme does not automatically trigger a reassessment of disability benefits, following questions from an MP about the scheme used by around 100,000 people in England and Wales.
In a written response on Monday, Sir Stephen Timms, DWP Minister of State, addressed concerns raised by Andrew Snowden, Conservative MP for Fylde, who asked whether joining Connect to Work or disclosing an intention to seek employment could in any circumstances lead to a reassessment of a participant's disability benefit entitlement.
Minister's response on reassessment risk
Sir Stephen confirmed that Connect to Work is voluntary and that taking part does not automatically trigger a reassessment. However, he noted that moving into employment could affect benefit entitlement in some cases.
He said: “Connect to Work is a voluntary programme. Participation in the programme does not automatically trigger a reassessment of disability benefits. As with all employment support programmes, where a participant moves into employment, there may be an impact on benefit entitlement, depending on their earnings and individual circumstances. Specialist Connect to Work employment advisers help participants understand any potential impact before taking up employment.”
He added: “The Government wants disabled people and people with health conditions to have confidence that exploring or taking up work will not, in itself, lead to a reassessment of their benefits. The Right to Try regulations, which came into force on 30 April 2026, establish in law that starting paid or voluntary work alone will not trigger a Work Capability Assessment reassessment or a PIP award review. This protection is intended to remove uncertainty and give disabled people and people with health conditions greater confidence to try work while receiving benefits.”
Campaigners' warnings and scheme details
The update follows warnings from the Benefits and Work website, which earlier this year said pledges in 'right to try' legislation offering people the chance to work without fear of their benefits being reassessed were 'worthless'.
The website highlighted DWP wording that said: “The Secretary of State retains discretion to reassess entitlement to one of these benefits for other reasons (for example, a change in condition, improvement in functional ability or suspected fraud) which could be indicated, for example, by undertaking work of a particular nature.”
Benefits and Work said: “So, if 'undertaking work of a particular nature' leads the DWP to suspect that there has been a change in your condition, an improvement in your functional ability or that you are a fraud then this can still lead to your award being looked at again.”
Connect to Work is designed to help people in work who are at risk of losing their jobs because of a condition or disability, as well as those not currently working or facing barriers such as a disability or health condition. Officials say the scheme covers almost all of England and Wales and is not just for people on benefits. According to one provider involved in the programme, it allows access to dedicated employment specialists who can help with in-work support, health-related assistance, CV and cover letter support and interview preparation.
How to apply for Connect to Work
The government says the scheme provides “intensive, holistic support for people who are disabled, have long-term health conditions or complex non-health related barriers to work”. It stresses that people do not need to be on benefits.
The scheme covers all of England and Wales other than the Greater Manchester Mayoral Combined Authority area, which has a different system. For more information, the government advises visiting its web page outlining grant guidance and information on finding local Connect to Work areas.
