If you are getting PIP, ESA, or Universal Credit on the grounds of ill-health or disability, you might want to try to work, but be worried that when you tell DWP, they will reassess you, causing you to lose your benefits.
On 30 April 2026 new rules come into effect to prevent such automatic reassessments from happening.
However:
Although starting work might not automatically trigger a reassessment, the DWP can look at your particular type of work and say that this indicates a change in your condition.
For example, If I have claimed PIP because of weakness in my hands and wrists, and then begin working as a bricklayer; or if I claimed ESA/UC on the grounds of severe social anxiety and then started work as a party-planner; DWP may say that this indicates an improvement in my condition.
This could then trigger a new PIP assessment or Work Capability Assessment.
So, when you tell DWP about your new work, make sure you explain how this is consistent with the health difficulties or disabilities that you described during your PIP or Work Capability Assessment.
Update:
The day after this post, the government announced that they would be changing the law to prevent any work capability reassessments within six months of starting paid or voluntary work; but no timetable has been given for this change. Sign-up for updates about this.
How the new rule works: UC and ESA
Once you have a Work Capability Assessment decision, that stands until another decision is made to supersede it.
The law says that the DWP can do a new assessment, leading to a new decision if they need to to determine whether there has been a relevant change of circumstances in relation to the claimant’s physical or mental condition.
The new rule adds an extra paragraph that says: doing work for payment… or doing voluntary work, is not a relevant change of circumstances.
Note: If you are getting ESA you must get permission before you start work. You must work under 16 hours each week and earn no more than than £203.50 per week
How the new rule works: PIP
Most PIP awards are made for fixed periods. During that time, the DWP can reassess you for any reason and at any time, to determine whether you still meet the rules for PIP.
The new rule adds an extra paragraph that says doing work for payment… or doing voluntary work, is not a reason for a fresh determination.