Some working people on income-related benefit will see a change to how they are assessed for Universal credit.

From the end of February, an increase to the Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET) will mean more Universal Credit claimants will be moved from the ‘Light Touch’ group to the ‘Intensive Work Search’ group.

The Administrative Earnings Threshold or AET determines which group a Universal Credit claimant is placed in, based on how much they earn. This in turn impacts the level of support they receive to find work and develop a career, and the types of activities they must undertake, such as searching for opportunities to take up more or better paid work or researching new career options. If someone earns below the AET, they are placed in the Intensive Work Search Group and are required to regularly meet with their work coach.

The new AET is the equivalent of an individual working 15 hours per week, or a couple working 24 hours per week between them, at the adult National Living Wage rate. New claimant commitments will be tailored to individual circumstances and will consider caring responsibilities and any health conditions. The National Living Wage is also increasing by 9.7%, bringing it to £10.42 an hour from April.

People impacted by the change will be contacted with more details via their Universal Credit journal. Claimants will receive this journal message at the end of their first full assessment period after Sunday 26 February.

Find out more here:

Hundreds of thousands more workers to receive job support boost in spring – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)