Anna’s Blog – Everyone Deserves the ‘Right to Try’
On the 30th April, new ‘Right to Try’ legislation came into effect across the United Kingdom (UK). This legislation empowers recipients of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit (UC), and new style Employment and Support Allowance (new style ESA) to reintroduce themselves to work or volunteering.
The eligibility criteria for each of these benefit entitlements (PIP, UC, and new style ESA) are dictated by a person’s ability to work. Their ability to work may be limited due to a physical or mental health condition or disability, relying on these entitlements to live.
Previously, recipients of these entitlements were not allowed to work or volunteer in any capacity without fear of an immediate reassessment of benefit entitlement. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) released a work aspirations report discussing this. They found that 37% of PIP recipients were worried that they would lose their entitlement if employment did not work out. Additionally, 54% of people receiving UC or ESA raised concerns about the same issue.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said: “We are determined that disabled people should have the confidence to try work… and be confident that doing so will not automatically trigger benefit reassessment.”
The ‘Right to Try’ legislation is a positive step forward, building people’s confidence in paid and volunteer work, allowing individuals to understand their limits and capabilities in a safe, supported space. We hope that strengthening existing regulations will empower recipients of PIP, UC, and new style ESA to explore new opportunities without external financial pressures.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, expanded on this: “Giving sick and disabled people legal protection to try work without fear is vital for their futures and for growing our economy. It’s part of the work we’re doing to bear down on the cost of living and boost living standards for sick or disabled people in every corner of the country.
“With 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness, we’re removing the barriers that have held people back for too long. Whilst this legislation ensures that entering work is not in itself a trigger for reassessment, where a reassessment is already due to take place, this will continue as normal.”
We look forward to seeing how the implementation of new ‘Right to Try’ legislation will empower people across the UK to further participate in their communities without additional financial concerns. We hope that recipients of PIP, UC, and new style ESA utilise this new legislation to build their confidence and take up opportunities for volunteering and paid work.