Important changes to Universal Credit

If you’re on a low income and currently claim Universal Credit, recent government changes could affect you. 

From 30 January 2023, the government has increased the Administrative Earnings Threshold meaning some UC claimants will now receive more support. 

The new threshold 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. 

Around 120,000 clients who were previously under the ‘Light Touch’ regime will now be moved into what the government calls ‘Intensive Work Search’. 

If you claim Universal Credit and fall in the new threshold, you will now receive regular contact from a job support coach designed to help you find more or better paid work. 

This could involve regular, fortnightly appointments with a work coach. You could be expected to search for and take up work opportunities or research new career options. 

If you’re moved into Intensive Work Search you will also have access to a full range of Jobcentre Plus support, including the Flexible Support Fund. 

Work coaches should schedule any meetings outside of your current working hours. You can limit your work availability if you have a health condition or certain caring responsibilities.  

These changes will affect you if you are single earning less than £617 per month or in a couple and have a combined income of less than £988. 

If you think this applies to you, you don’t need to take any action right away - you should receive a journal message on your UC portal in March explaining what this means for you. 

If you need help applying for Universal Credit you can contact the CItizens Advice Help to Claim helpline free on 0800 144 8444.