Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Disabled People: Benefits Reassessments

Monday 27 April 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Department is implementing "right to try" legislation to allow disabled people to seek employment without immediate benefits reassessment.
  • Minister indicated a need to wait for the Alan Milburn review report before deciding on delaying access to universal credit health payments for those under 22.
  • Proposals are being developed to address delays in Access to Work support services and ensure better resourcing of vital support services.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Rutland Lab East Worthing and Shoreham
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question addresses the concern that disabled individuals might be discouraged from trying work due to fears of losing benefits.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that disabled people are able to try work without automatically triggering a benefits reassessment. I am concerned about disabled people's confidence in trying employment without fear of benefit loss.

Answer from Stephen Timms

We are determined that disabled people should have the confidence to try work. Our “right to try” legislation will come into force on Thursday, allowing people claiming universal credit or new style employment support allowance and personal independence payment to take steps towards employment without automatically triggering benefit reassessment.

Answered
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Q2 Ben Coleman Lab Chelsea and Fulham
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concerns have been raised about the impact on young disabled individuals who receive universal credit health payments, which are crucial for their financial stability.

Question

Could he reassure my disabled constituents under the age of 22 that they will not lose their universal credit health payments? This support is vital as these young people face significant barriers to work and poverty. Has an impact assessment been made?

Answer from Stephen Timms

There is an urgent need to address the big rise in NEETs. We think better support might help young people more than extra cash. The Alan Milburn review will report in September; we will wait until then to decide whether to delay access to universal credit health element until age 22, with possible exceptions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm the retention of universal credit health payments for young disabled individuals or provide a specific impact assessment on removing such support.

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Q3 Tom Rutland Lab East Worthing and Shoreham
Employment Business & Trade Local Government
Context

Local Labour councils in Adur and Worthing are integrating with the Connect to Work programme, aiming to help young individuals find appropriate jobs.

Question

What more is being done to work with businesses and get more young people into opportunities that they can thrive in? My local council has joined the Connect to Work programme to aid job seekers. However, challenges remain for youth employment.

Answer from Stephen Timms

I welcome the fact that my hon. Friend's local authority is joining Connect to Work, which will be available across England and Wales by summer. We are working on proposals to eliminate delays in Access to Work support services, aiming to give people confidence when moving into work or volunteering without fear of benefit reassessment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify additional initiatives for collaboration with employers beyond the Connect to Work programme and Pathways to Work guarantee.

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Q4 John Milne Lib Dem Horsham
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

Delays in Access to Work support have affected a constituent's ability to remain employed, highlighting the need for improved service efficiency and resource allocation.

Question

Will the Minister commit to resourcing vital support services like Access to Work and eliminating its backlog of over 62 62,000 cases as a matter of urgency? I am concerned about delays in Access to Work support leading to job loss for disabled individuals.

Answer from Stephen Timms

Access to Work is vital. The demand surge has led to delays; we are sorry about affected constituents. Last year, reforms were announced for Access to Work due to increased demand. We are working on proposals and will put them before the House as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to specific resources or an urgent resolution of the backlog in Access to Work support cases.

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Q5 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Disability Confident employer scheme is gaining traction in the community, aiming to support disabled individuals' employment opportunities.

Question

What is the Minister doing to support Disability Confident employers and make it easier for them to employ people with disabilities? The Disability Confident scheme has great potential but needs further progression.

Answer from Stephen Timms

I point to Sir Charlie Mayfield's Keep Britain Working review, addressing employer engagement with disabled individuals. Over 19,000 employers have signed up; we aim to ensure progression in Disability Confident levels for significant impact.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify concrete actions beyond the review and signing-up numbers without detailing how support will be enhanced or made easier for employers.

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