The Department for Work and Pensions has issued an update this week on a scheme used by around 100,000 people in England and Wales
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a new update over a scheme designed to get more people out of work into a job. The programme helps around 100,000 Brits across the UK to find and keep work through the use of expert support – but there are questions over what taking that help means for people on benefits.
The scheme is aimed at helping people in work who are at risk of losing their jobs because of a condition or disability. It also supports those not currently working or those facing barriers such as a disability or health condition.
Officials say the Connect to Work scheme, which covers almost all of England and Wales, is not just for people on benefits. According to one provider involved in the programme, it allows people access to dedicated employment specialists who can help with things such as in-work support, health-related assistance, CV and cover letter support and interview preparation.
But campaigners warn that people who are on benefits need to be aware of DWP rules when taking on work. The Benefits and Work website warned earlier this year that pledges in so-called ‘right to try’ legislation offering people the chance to work without fear of their benefits being reassessed were ‘worthless’.
It highlighted DWP wording that said: “The Secretary of State retains discretion to reassess entitlement to one of these benefits for other reasons (for example, a change in condition, improvement in functional ability or suspected fraud) which could be indicated, for example, by undertaking work of a particular nature.”
Benefits and Work said: “So, if ‘undertaking work of a particular nature’ leads the DWP to suspect that there has been a change in your condition, an improvement in your functional ability or that you are a fraud then this can still lead to your award being looked at again.”
Now the DWP has been questioned by an MP over the Connect to Work scheme and whether there is a risk that benefits will be reassessed if you use it. Andrew Snowden, Conservative MP for Fylde, asked 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.”
On Monday, Sir Stephen Timms, DWP Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities), responded to the question by insisting there was no ‘automatic’ trigger. But he said where someone goes into work, there could be an ‘impact on benefit entitlement’ in some circumstances.
The minister said: “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.”
How do I apply for Connect to Work?
The government says the scheme provides “intensive, holistic support for people who are disabled, have long-term health conditions or complex non-health related barriers to work”. It stresses that people do not need to be on benefits.
It covers all of England and Wales other than the Greater Manchester Mayoral Combined Authority area, which has a different system. For more information, visit the government web page outlining grant guidance and information on finding local Connect to Work areas.
