Huge change to Universal Credit as claimants warned they will lose benefits if they don’t follow the rules

A huge change to the rules on claiming Universal Credit has come into force as claimants have been warned they could lose their benefits if they don’t follow the rules. People who are seen as not working enough hours will be told to look for more work.

They will also be expected to attend frequent meetings with a job coach to show they are engaged in the process and doing their best to find more work. Universal Credit claimants are expected to work at least 18 hours a week under today’s changes.

The threshold had previously been 15 hours. It is one of many tough changes planned for the welfare system. The DWP said it would result in 180,000 people working more.

READ MORE: DWP warning to change Universal Credit, PIP and State Pension payment dates

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If someone refuses to comply with the process, some of their benefits could be taken away. The 18 hours per week applies to people earning the minimum wage.

Someone who earns more than the minimum wage can work fewer hours as long as their total earnings meet the Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET) set by the Government. The AET has been increased to £892, which is what you would earn in a month if you worked 18 hours a week on the minimum wage.

Anyone earning below that amount will be told to look for more work. If a couple earn less than £1,437 between them, they will be told to try to increase their earnings.

Charities have raised concerns about the impact on certain groups, including carers and those with health conditions. Around 40% of people claiming Universal Credit also have jobs but don’t earn enough to get by, meaning they rely on the state to top up their income.

The government has also been criticized for its tone towards people claiming benefits, especially as there are a number of reasons why someone might need support from the state. Ministers insisted they needed to spend less on benefits and get more people back into work.

At the same time, changes to PIP are planned which could see some people lose cash payments, while the Government also wants to make it harder for workers to take sick leave.