The Department provides a range of employment support for autistic and ADHD people, including those who require ongoing practical support to obtain and sustain employment.

Our specialist, voluntary, Supported Employment programme, Connect to Work, is for anyone who is disabled, has a health condition or is experiencing non-health related barriers to work. Connect to Work has a specialist pathway for neurodivergent and learning-disabled participants, using the well-evidenced Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF). The programme is locally led and will support around 300,000 people by the end of the decade.

In Jobcentres around 1,000 (full time equivalent) Pathways to Work Advisers, provide personalised one-to-one support to disabled and neurodivergent customers, and those with health conditions to help customers identify and overcome obstacles which may stop them from moving towards or into work or to access employment and wider skills support, and our employment programmes.

Practical workplace support is also available through Access to Work, a demand-led, personalised discretionary grant delivered across Great Britain. It supports workplace adjustments that go beyond an employer’s responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. The scheme is available to people with disabilities or health conditions, including neurodivergent conditions, where these affect their ability to work.

Alongside support for individuals, DWP administers the GB-wide Disability Confident scheme, encouraging employers to create disability inclusive workplaces and to support disabled people to get work and get on in work. It provides employers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to attract, recruit, retain and develop disabled people in the workplace.

In 2025, DWP launched an independent advisory panel of academics with expertise and lived experiences of neurodiversity to consider the reasons why neurodivergent people often have poor experiences in the workplace, and a low overall employment rate. DWP has received a final version of the Panel’s report which will be published alongside our response in due course. In addition, between January and March this year, DWP funded the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to run a limited series of neurodivergence masterclasses for employers to attend free of charge. This was to address employer and line manager skill and confidence in recruiting and supporting neurodivergent individuals at work. Over 1,800 representatives of employers attended these masterclasses.

The Secretary of State reviewed Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, including the shared accommodation rate, at the 2025 Autumn Budget and announced that rates would be maintained at their current levels for 2026/27. A range of factors, including rent levels across Great Britain and the levels of support currently available were considered against the fiscal context and welfare priorities. In line with equality duties, impacts on specific groups were also considered. DWP also continues to work closely with Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government to make sure interactions with homelessness and temporary accommodation are considered.

Renters receiving housing support who need further help to meet their rent costs can apply for a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment from local authorities in England.

The Young People and Work Report has been commissioned by the UK Government to investigate the persistently high numbers of young people out of work, education and training (NEETs). On the 28^th May 2026, Alan Milburn published his diagnostic report, outlining his discoveries on the drivers of the increase in the number of young people who are part of this group.

The Report is being taken forward in two distinct phases, the first, a discovery phase which will provide a diagnosis on the increase in the number of young people who are NEET. The second phase will be a solution phase, which will identify potential areas for reform, aimed at increasing opportunities for young people.

The final Report is intended to take a holistic view of the welfare, health, skills and employment system and identify areas for reform. The Author will provide a full and final report in September.

Any proposals to change access to the benefits system will be considered in light of the conclusions and recommendations of the Young People and Work Report.

Reducing customer journey times for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service. More information can be found here:

Disability Living Allowance for children timeliness performance, for new claims cleared between 1 August 2025 and 31 March 2026 - GOV.UK

Personal Independence Payment: Official Statistics to April 2026 - GOV.UK

A child or young adult cannot qualify for DLA or PIP unless the disability conditions have been satisfied for an initial period of three months. This helps establish that disability and the resulting needs are of a longstanding nature and ensures that the benefit goes only to those for whom it is intended. Where entitlement conditions are met, Carer’s Allowance can be backdated for up to three months from the date that entitlement to the qualifying disability benefit begins. Severely disabled children and young adults do not always have to wait for the full three months from the date of their claim before they become entitled to DLA or PIP if they have already had the requisite needs arising prior to their claim.

Special considerations also apply to those who are terminally ill, who are awarded the highest rate of the care component of DLA or the enhanced rate of the PIP daily living component automatically without having to complete a qualifying period. Such claims are dealt with quickly and sensitively.

Reducing customer journey times for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service. More information can be found here:

Disability Living Allowance for children timeliness performance, for new claims cleared between 1 August 2025 and 31 March 2026 - GOV.UK

Personal Independence Payment: Official Statistics to April 2026 - GOV.UK

A child or young adult cannot qualify for DLA or PIP unless the disability conditions have been satisfied for an initial period of three months. This helps establish that disability and the resulting needs are of a longstanding nature and ensures that the benefit goes only to those for whom it is intended. Where entitlement conditions are met, Carer’s Allowance can be backdated for up to three months from the date that entitlement to the qualifying disability benefit begins. Severely disabled children and young adults do not always have to wait for the full three months from the date of their claim before they become entitled to DLA or PIP if they have already had the requisite needs arising prior to their claim.

Special considerations also apply to those who are terminally ill, who are awarded the highest rate of the care component of DLA or the enhanced rate of the PIP daily living component automatically without having to complete a qualifying period. Such claims are dealt with quickly and sensitively.

Reducing customer journey times for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service. More information can be found here:

Disability Living Allowance for children timeliness performance, for new claims cleared between 1 August 2025 and 31 March 2026 - GOV.UK

Personal Independence Payment: Official Statistics to April 2026 - GOV.UK

A child or young adult cannot qualify for DLA or PIP unless the disability conditions have been satisfied for an initial period of three months. This helps establish that disability and the resulting needs are of a longstanding nature and ensures that the benefit goes only to those for whom it is intended. Where entitlement conditions are met, Carer’s Allowance can be backdated for up to three months from the date that entitlement to the qualifying disability benefit begins. Severely disabled children and young adults do not always have to wait for the full three months from the date of their claim before they become entitled to DLA or PIP if they have already had the requisite needs arising prior to their claim.

Special considerations also apply to those who are terminally ill, who are awarded the highest rate of the care component of DLA or the enhanced rate of the PIP daily living component automatically without having to complete a qualifying period. Such claims are dealt with quickly and sensitively.

Motability Foundation provides the Driving Lessons Grant to help disabled teenagers with severe mobility challenges learn to drive from age 16, as legislation allows them to hold a provisional licence. Driving can remove barriers to personal independence.

The Department does not have recorded information on how many 16-year-olds were in receipt of a vehicle or have received funding through the Motability Foundation Driving Lessons Grant. Motability Foundation is a registered charity regulated by the Charity Commission so is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Motability Scheme. The Scheme is delivered by Motability Operations which is an independent commercial company under contract to the charity.

Motability Foundation provides the Driving Lessons Grant to help disabled teenagers with severe mobility challenges learn to drive from age 16, as legislation allows them to hold a provisional licence. Driving can remove barriers to personal independence.

The Department does not have recorded information on how many 16-year-olds were in receipt of a vehicle or have received funding through the Motability Foundation Driving Lessons Grant. Motability Foundation is a registered charity regulated by the Charity Commission so is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Motability Scheme. The Scheme is delivered by Motability Operations which is an independent commercial company under contract to the charity.

The department is committed to ensuring that young people, particularly those with disabilities, learning difficulties and communication needs, can access Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and wider support effectively.

Assessment suppliers must consider individual needs and vulnerabilities, including for those who may struggle to advocate for themselves. They are required to offer reasonable adjustments where needed, such as allowing support from a parent or companion, adapting communication methods, and ensuring assessments are sensitive to cognitive or communication needs. Evidence from carers, healthcare professionals and education providers may also be used where appropriate.

Suppliers are expected to provide flexibility in appointment scheduling. Claimants or their representatives can request alternative times, and reasonable efforts should be made to accommodate these.

The department has not issued specific guidance to schools about the recording of absences for benefit assessments. Attendance policies are a matter for schools and local authorities. However, it recognises the importance of minimising disruption to education and appointment time or date will always be changed if necessary.

The department keeps its processes under review to ensure access to benefits and reduce barriers to education, including ongoing engagement with stakeholders. It will continue to consider improvements to support transitions from Disability Living Allowance to PIP and ensure young people receive the support they are entitled to while maintaining access to education.

The department is committed to ensuring that young people, particularly those with disabilities, learning difficulties and communication needs, can access Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and wider support effectively.

Assessment suppliers must consider individual needs and vulnerabilities, including for those who may struggle to advocate for themselves. They are required to offer reasonable adjustments where needed, such as allowing support from a parent or companion, adapting communication methods, and ensuring assessments are sensitive to cognitive or communication needs. Evidence from carers, healthcare professionals and education providers may also be used where appropriate.

Suppliers are expected to provide flexibility in appointment scheduling. Claimants or their representatives can request alternative times, and reasonable efforts should be made to accommodate these.

The department has not issued specific guidance to schools about the recording of absences for benefit assessments. Attendance policies are a matter for schools and local authorities. However, it recognises the importance of minimising disruption to education and appointment time or date will always be changed if necessary.

The department keeps its processes under review to ensure access to benefits and reduce barriers to education, including ongoing engagement with stakeholders. It will continue to consider improvements to support transitions from Disability Living Allowance to PIP and ensure young people receive the support they are entitled to while maintaining access to education.

I refer my Hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 2 March 2026 in response to Question UIN 114204.

Our Pathways to Work guarantee will ensure an offer of personalised work, health and skills support to disabled people and people with health conditions. Access to Work can support workplace adjustments that go beyond what would normally be expected from an employer to enable work. Young people will also be eligible for additional support through the Youth Guarantee.

Through Pathways to Work, young people with special educational needs have access to tailored support, including help into supported employment through Connect to Work. Our local economic inactivity and youth guarantee trailblazers include testing approaches to targeted support for young people with SEND.

We've also launched a review into Young People Work and Health led by Alan Milburn to understand the reasons behind young people becoming NEET, with a particular focus on mental health and disability.

We have launched The Young People and Work Report to investigate the persistently high numbers of young people out of work, education and training, with a holistic view of the welfare, health, skills and employment system. Led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, it will also identify areas for reform. The report will examine why increasing numbers of young people are falling out of work or education before their careers have begun. The Author will produce an interim Report this May, with a full and final report in September

To ensure we can take a decision in the round we are awaiting the Young People and Work Reports conclusions before making any decisions on whether to delay access to Universal Credit Health Element to 22.

The Universal Credit Act 2025, which came into force on 6 April 2026, delivered the first sustained, above inflation rise in the basic rate of UC since it was introduced. This means a little under four million households will benefit overall from government’s decision to increase the UC standard allowance, estimated to be worth around £760 annually in cash terms for a single parent aged 25 (£250 above inflation) or over £1195 (£400 above inflation) for a couple where one is aged 25 or over with children by 2029/30.

A little under 4 million households will benefit from the sustained, above-inflation increase to the UC standard allowance - worth around £295 in 2026/27, in cash terms around £110 above inflation, for a single person aged 25 or over and around £760, around £250 above inflation, by the end of the decade. For couples, where one member is aged 25 or over, it will increase by around an additional £465 this year, around £180 more than if up-rated by inflation alone.

Claimants who declared a health condition or disability before 6 April 2026 and are subsequently found to have Limited Capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA), receive the higher rate - £429.80 per month. This applies even if the decision on their LCWRA entitlement was made on or after 6 April 2026.

In our Pathways to Work Green Paper we set out our Pathways to Work offer, backed by £1 billion a year of new funding by the end of the decade. Our Pathways to Work support offer will ensure a coherent and navigable offer of support, building on and bringing together initiatives such as Connect to Work, WorkWell and local Trailblazers.

Since July 2025, there have been around 1000 (full-time equivalent) Pathways to Work Advisors in place in Jobcentres across England, Scotland and Wales helping disabled people and people with health conditions towards and into work. This increased deployment will help ensure that everyone impacted by the recent changes to the Universal Credit Health Element is offered support. People affected by the changes, including young people, will be able to access a conversation about their needs, goals and aspirations; offered one-to-one follow-on support, and given voluntary help to access additional work, health and skills support that can meet their needs.

We have launched The Young People and Work Report to investigate the persistently high numbers of young people out of work, education and training, with a holistic view of the welfare, health, skills and employment system. Led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, it will also identify areas for reform. The report will examine why increasing numbers of young people are falling out of work or education before their careers have begun. The Author will produce an interim Report this May, with a full and final report in September

To ensure we can take a decision in the round we are awaiting the Young People and Work Reports conclusions before making any decisions on whether to delay access to Universal Credit Health Element to 22.

We have launched The Young People and Work Report to investigate the persistently high numbers of young people out of work, education and training, with a holistic view of the welfare, health, skills and employment system. Led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, it will also identify areas for reform. The report will examine why increasing numbers of young people are falling out of work or education before their careers have begun - with a particular focus on the impact of mental health conditions and disability.  The Author will produce an interim Report this May, with a full and final report in September.

To ensure we can take a decision in the round we are awaiting the Young People and Work Reports conclusions before making any decisions on access to Universal Credit Health Element for those under the age of 22.

DWP notifies young people who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) 5 months before they reach age 16 to advise them they will need to apply for Personal Independence Payment after they reach their sixteenth birthday. This is to establish if they will require an appointee and to ensure that benefits continue to be paid into the right bank account. If necessary, DLA can continue to be paid until a decision on their PIP application is made.

Where applying for Universal Credit, which can usually only be accessed from the age of 18, disabled people can access tailored support, including the independent ‘Help to Claim’ service delivered by Citizens Advice, assisted digital support, and the option to claim by phone where needed. DWP also provides reasonable adjustments, alternative communication formats, home visits, and claimants can choose to use an appointee; ensuring disabled people can access Universal Credit safely and fairly. Universal Credit Work Coaches are trained to support disabled claimants and to tailor conditionality to reflect health conditions and individual capability.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I gave on 20 April 2026 to Question 125932.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

As confirmed at Autumn Budget, we will be introducing new earned income disregards for those in receipt of Housing Benefit and live in Supported Housing and Temporary Accommodation. This will help smooth the transition between the Universal Credit and Housing Benefit, and reduce the financial cliff edge for individuals in Supported Housing and Temporary Accommodation as they move into work or increase their hours.

This will require legislative changes and be accompanied by IT changes made to local authority IT systems. In preparation for this, we have already begun engagement with stakeholders to ensure that the implementation meets the needs of those affected. This is accompanied by clear communications to support local authorities, housing providers and third sector organisations to ensure that eligible customers are aware of and able to utilise this change.

The new disregards will be in place from Autumn 2026.

The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme.

Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organisation and is wholly responsible for the terms and administration of the Scheme, including the use of the telematics system. Motability and the department continue to work closely to consider how the Scheme can utilise telematics and other systems to ensure it is used for its intended purpose to support disabled people and their transport needs. Data on telematics and cars recovered from the Scheme are a matter for Motability.