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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Monday, 14 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 October 2026. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 12 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Connect to Work

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether participation in Connect to Work or disclosure of an intention to seek employment can in any circumstances trigger a reassessment of a participant's disability benefit entitlement.

Answer

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.

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.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
29717
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Disability Social security benefits Connect to work
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk