Exceptions and benefit rules
Does Right to Try change the rules about work and benefits?
No. The existing rules about working while receiving benefits still apply.
For example:
If you receive New Style ESA, permitted work rules and earnings limits remain unchanged.
You must still report changes in circumstances when required and existing volunteering rules continue to apply.
Right to Try provides reassurance around reassessments, but it does not create a new benefit or remove existing eligibility rules.
Who is not covered by Right to Try?
Right to Try does not apply to everyone.
If you have recently claimed Universal Credit or New Style ESA and are still waiting for your first Work Capability Assessment, these protections do not currently apply.
Can I work while receiving PIP?
Yes. You can receive PIP whether you are working or not. PIP is based on how your condition affects your daily living and mobility, rather than your employment status.
Many people receive PIP while working. Eligibility is based on how your condition affects your daily living and mobility needs, rather than whether you have a job.
However, the type of work you do could be considered alongside other evidence during future assessments if it appears inconsistent with the difficulties you have reported.
Can volunteering affect my benefits?
Volunteering is generally allowed while receiving benefits, provided you continue to meet the conditions of your claim.
Under Right to Try, volunteering on its own should not automatically trigger a reassessment. This may help people build skills, confidence and experience before considering paid employment.
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