UK DWP assures no automatic benefit suspensions and expands staff for Access to Work

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) clarified that new Eligibility Verification Notices (EVNs) issued to banks will not automatically suspend benefit payments. Decisions will be made by trained personnel after reviewing all relevant information, and claimants will be contacted for any required clarification. The new powers, part of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025, will be introduced gradually in a "Test and Learn" phase, with an independent reviewer reporting annually to Parliament.

At the same time, the DWP announced a recruitment drive to address a growing backlog in the Access to Work scheme, which supports disabled people with equipment, travel and workplace assistance. Around 480 new case managers will be hired, increasing the scheme’s workforce from 658 to more than 1,100 by September 2027 – a 72% rise. The move aims to clear roughly 60,000 pending applications and ensure 96% of urgent cases are decided within 28 days. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden said the scheme is "a lifeline for disabled people and those with health conditions".