Disabled people and those with long-term health conditions claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will no longer face automatic reassessments when returning to work. The new Right to Try regulations are now in force across England, Wales, and Scotland, offering more certainty for claimants.
PIP reassessments no longer triggered by work
New laws under the “Right to Try” regulations mean employment—paid or voluntary—cannot automatically trigger a new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Work Capability Assessment.
The change applies across England, Wales, and Scotland, affecting claimants on PIP, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and the health element of Universal Credit.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, said: “This Government is committed to giving disabled people and people with health conditions the confidence that working will not trigger a reassessment and a potential loss of benefits.”
This is seen as a significant step in the Government’s wider welfare reforms, designed to prevent people from being “trapped on benefits” simply because they take on work.
Consultation with disabled groups
The DWP consulted widely with disabled people and organisations through collaboration committees before implementing the change.
It also guarantees that people looking to volunteer can do so without fear of having their benefits reassessed. Mental Health UK called the move a “positive and practical step” towards empowering disabled citizens.
Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft raised concerns in a written question to Secretary of State Pat McFadden, asking under what circumstances a decision-maker could order new PIP or Work Capability assessments under the Right to Try regulations.
The minister’s response confirmed that employment alone is no longer a trigger, addressing a long-standing worry among beneficiaries.
Wider implications for welfare claimants
While the change primarily affects PIP and ESA recipients, it signals a broader effort by the Government to encourage disabled people into work without risking their income or benefits.
This follows criticism of previous policies, which claimants argued penalised them for trying to re-enter the workforce. The reform removes a key barrier to participation, helping more people gain employment experience and independence.
Experts note that while the regulations provide reassurance, claimants should still maintain accurate records of work and report earnings correctly to avoid administrative issues.
Political context
The announcement comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced questions in Parliament about rising welfare costs, which Conservatives say have increased by £20 billion since Labour took office.
The Right to Try changes were highlighted as part of the Government’s commitment to modernising welfare, supporting disabled people, and ensuring benefits systems encourage rather than penalise work.
