New DWP rules for 180,000 Universal Credit claimants come into force today

Universal Credit claimants who work less than 18 hours a week will have to look for more work from Monday.

As part of the government’s sweeping changes to the welfare system, ministers are raising the administrative earnings threshold from the equivalent of 15 hours to 18 hours at the National Living Wage for an individual claimant.

This means those working less than half a week full-time will need to meet their work coach more often to boost their earnings, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Today’s changes will help more people on Universal Credit move into well-paid jobs and progress towards financial independence, which is better for them and better for growth.”

He added that “welfare should always be a safety net and not a lifestyle choice.”

The new rules affect people earning below £892 a month or £1,437 for couples, the DWP said.

This is from £617 for individuals and £988 for couples.

The change applies to about 180,000 people, according to the department.

Those able to work must use the Jobcentre support available or face losing benefits.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “We will always support those who want to work hard and today we are radically expanding the support available to help people progress into work.”

“With the next generation of welfare reforms, I want to help thousands of people on their journey from benefits to financial independence.”

“Our plan makes work pay, with people in full-time work now £7,000 better off than on unemployment benefits, and our tax cuts putting £900 back into the pockets of millions of workers across the Great Britain”.

Mr Sunak announced his welfare reform plan last month, including a review of payments to people with mental health conditions, which prompted accusations of an “all-out attack on disabled people”.

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