Policy paper

The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2026: unnumbered act paper

A report by the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) and statement from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

Documents

The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2026: unnumbered act paper

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Details

Report by the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) under Sections 172(1) and Section 174(1) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 and statement by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in accordance with Section 174(2) of that Act.

This document sets out the statutory interaction between the Secretary of State, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), including the SSAC’s report and the Secretary of State’s response.

The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2026 are designed to establish a clear principle that people receiving health and disability benefits can try work or volunteering without fear. The intent of these Regulations is that starting work or taking up volunteering, on its own, will not trigger a benefit reassessment or put someone at risk of losing their entitlement if it does not work out. The aim is to give disabled people and people with health conditions greater confidence to explore work or volunteering where it is right for them, by reducing anxiety and making the benefits system clearer and more supportive.

Updates to this page

Published 13 April 2026

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