Disabled People Benefits Reassessments
2026-04-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the concern that disabled individuals might be discouraged from trying work due to fears of losing benefits.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
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.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Local Labour councils in Adur and Worthing are integrating with the Connect to Work programme, aiming to help young individuals find appropriate jobs.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not specify additional initiatives for collaboration with employers beyond the Connect to Work programme and Pathways to Work guarantee.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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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.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to specific resources or an urgent resolution of the backlog in Access to Work support cases.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Disability Confident employer scheme is gaining traction in the community, aiming to support disabled individuals' employment opportunities.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
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.
Response accuracy