Industry News | Jul 01, 2026 | 1 Comment |
Support Conversations expanded
Support Conversations expanded to thousands more disabled benefit claimants
Up to 40,000 disabled people and people with health conditions claiming out-of-work benefits are set to receive personalised one-to-one support, as the Government expands its new “Support Conversations” programme across Great Britain.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that the initiative will be extended to a further 27 Jobcentres, bringing the total number of participating sites to 33.
The voluntary programme is aimed at people receiving health-related out-of-work benefits, including those waiting for a Work Capability Assessment and those who have already been assessed as having limited capability for work. Rather than focusing solely on employment, the conversations are designed to identify wider barriers that may be affecting someone’s life and wellbeing.
Key points
- Support Conversations are being expanded from 6 to 33 Jobcentres across Great Britain.
- Up to 40,000 disabled people and people with health conditions claiming out-of-work benefits could be offered personalised support.
- The service is entirely voluntary and is not a benefit assessment.
- Participants have a one-hour conversation with a trained healthcare professional to discuss their individual circumstances and support needs.
- Support may include help with health, housing, debt, skills, training and employment, with referrals to specialist local services where appropriate.
Personalised support
Each participant is offered a one-hour conversation with a trained healthcare professional, who will explore the individual’s circumstances and discuss what additional support may be helpful.
Depending on a person’s needs, this could include referrals or signposting to services covering:
• physical and mental health
• debt and financial advice
• housing support
• skills and training
• employment support.
The Government says the conversations are entirely voluntary and are intended to give people more personalised support rather than introducing new benefit requirements.
Helping people overcome barriers
The expansion forms part of the Government’s wider £3.5 billion investment in employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions during this Parliament. Ministers say the aim is to remove practical barriers that prevent people from accessing opportunities, while recognising that not everyone will be ready or able to move into work immediately.
Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson said:
“Too many disabled people and people with health conditions face barriers that stop them from accessing the support and opportunities they deserve.
“That is why we are expanding the number of sites delivering Support Conversations from 6 to 33 Jobcentres across Great Britain, giving up to 40,000 people personalised help tailored to their circumstances.
“Getting more people into good work is central to our Plan for Change and Support Conversations will help us do exactly that, improving people’s wellbeing and putting more money in their pockets.”
What happens during a Support Conversation?
Unlike a benefits assessment, Support Conversations are intended to provide an opportunity for people to discuss the wider challenges they face and the support that could improve their quality of life.
The DWP says healthcare professionals delivering the service take a holistic approach, recognising that issues such as poor health, housing problems, financial pressures and caring responsibilities can all affect a person’s ability to work or engage with services. Where appropriate, individuals can be referred to specialist local support.
The Government hopes the expanded programme will help more disabled people and people with health conditions access the support they need, whether that is to improve their health, build confidence, develop new skills or move towards employment if and when they are ready.
Are support conversations a good thing?
Some disability organisations and welfare advisers have welcomed the additional personalised support but have urged the Government to ensure the conversations remain genuinely voluntary. They have also called for clear safeguards so that people do not feel under pressure to engage or worry that taking part could affect their benefits.
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One Reply to “Support Conversations expanded”
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In my opinion, I think this has the potential to be a good service. As long as the healthcare professional has a good knowledge of what is available in the local area. Such as, what courses/training is available, costs etc. Where equipment can be sourced.
Hopefully they can refer to an Occupational Therapist. So the right equipment can be purchased. To make it more comfortable for an individual with physical challenges will need.
When I become available in my area, I will make use of this service. I have many such challenges to gaining employment.