The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced an update aimed at helping numerous Universal Credit claimants find employment.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday the DWP said: "We're ensuring people get the support they need into the right job. From today, people receiving the health element of Universal Credit will get information explaining how a Pathways to Work Adviser can provide free, voluntary employment support."

This follows the DWP's removal of "incentives that discourage work and trap people on benefits".

A reduced Universal Credit health element rate of £217.26 per month has been introduced for new claimants, compared to the higher rate of £429.80.

Anyone affected by the Universal Credit changes will be entitled to voluntary employment support, with more than 65,000 people with limited capability for work and work-related activity taking up the offer since March 2025, surpassing DWP targets, the department confirmed.

Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: "The welfare system we inherited has for too long locked disabled people and people with long term conditions out of work.

"Laws coming into force today will change that, reducing projected expenditure on Universal Credit by almost £1 billion.

"Simultaneously boosting the standard allowance and investing £3.5 billion in employment support means we're creating a welfare system that backs people to work and helps them build a better future."

Almost £1 billion of taxpayer money is expected to be saved through measures designed to narrow the gap between payments for those on health-related benefits and those actively seeking employment.

From Wednesday, April 8, claimants with limited capability for work or work-related activity will also see a new message appear on their Universal Credit accounts, providing information on the support available and allowing them to opt in to being contacted to find out more.

This will trigger a conversation with a Pathways to Work adviser, who can offer personalised appointments and refer individuals to programmes such as Connect to Work, WorkWell, or local Trailblazer schemes, the DWP added.