DWP Alters Access to Work Scheme Rules, Raising Concerns Among Advocates

# DWP Quietly Changes Access to Work Scheme Rules for Payments Up to £69,000
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made a significant alteration to the Access to Work Scheme affecting claimants who could receive payments up to £69,000. Under the new rules, claimants must now submit supporting documents via post, a requirement that has sparked concern among advocates for disabled individuals.
Previously, claimants were able to provide evidence electronically, which streamlined the application process. The revised postal submission requirement is seen as a troubling development that could hinder access to essential support for those who rely on this scheme.
Critics are voicing their dismay, signalling that this change might create barriers for vulnerable individuals who need assistance to enter or remain in the workforce. The move has raised red flags regarding the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access for disabled people in employment settings.
"This change is worrying," said a spokesperson from a leading disability advocacy group, indicating that the shift to postal submissions may complicate matters for those needing timely assistance. This reform may also lead to delays in processing claims, further impacting claimants who depend on these funds.
As the DWP navigates these adjustments, the full ramifications of the rule change are yet to be understood, leaving many in the disabled community anxious about their support options.
This report is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.