New legislation aimed at helping disabled people move into work without fear of losing financial support has come into force across the country. The Government’s 'Right to Try' rules, which take effect from today (April 30), mean people claiming Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) can explore work opportunities without automatically triggering a benefits reassessment.
Key changes and purpose
Ministers say the change is designed to remove a key barrier that has prevented many from attempting to return to work. Under the updated legislation, claimants can take steps towards employment or volunteering while retaining confidence that their benefits will not immediately be reviewed or stopped. Minister for social security and disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said the reforms aim to give people greater security. “We are determined that disabled people should have the confidence to try work. People claiming Universal Credit, New Style Employment Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment can take steps towards employment and be confident that doing so will not automatically trigger benefit reassessment,” he said.
However, the Government has confirmed that if a reassessment is already scheduled, it will still go ahead as planned.
Who is affected
The changes apply to people receiving:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Universal Credit with a health element, including those assessed as having limited capability for work (LCW) or work-related activity (LCWRA)
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), including those in the Work-Related Activity or Support groups
They also cover people receiving both Universal Credit and New Style ESA under a single assessment, writes Ben Hurst from the Mirror. The legislation further guarantees that claimants can volunteer without triggering a reassessment, following feedback from disability groups.
Why are the changes being introduced
Government data suggests more than a third of disabled people and those with health conditions want to work but feel unable to do so due to concerns about losing benefits. Ministers say the reforms are part of a wider effort to reduce the number of people out of work due to long-term illness, currently estimated at 2.8 million.
Sir Stephen said: “Giving sick and disabled people legal protection to try to work without fear is vital for their futures and for growing our economy. It’s part of the work we’re doing to bear down on the cost of living and boost living standards for sick or disabled people in every corner of the country.” The changes form part of a broader package that includes £3.5bn in funding for employment support programmes by the end of the decade.
Concerns and ongoing discussions
During parliamentary exchanges, questions were raised about how the rules may affect younger claimants, particularly those under 22 receiving health-related support through Universal Credit. Sir Stephen said the Government is reviewing whether access to certain elements of support should be delayed for younger people, pending further analysis.
“There is an urgent need to address the big rise in the number of young people not in work, education or training,” he said, adding that a wider review is expected to report later this year.
Reaction from charities
Mental health charity leaders have welcomed the changes, saying they could help reduce anxiety around returning to work. Brian Dow, chief executive of Mental Health UK, said: “People often tell us that fear of reassessment, or even losing essential support if things don't work out, is a significant barrier to taking those first steps back into work.
“The Right to Try is a positive and practical step that will ensure people have a safety net when exploring opportunities for work or volunteering.” He added that the initiative could help people build confidence and skills at a pace that supports their recovery.
What it means for claimants
While the new rules remove the automatic link between starting work and reassessment, experts stress that they do not prevent reviews that are already scheduled. Claimants are being encouraged to check official guidance and seek advice if they are unsure how the changes apply to their circumstances.
