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DWP - Administrative Earnings Threshold – additional jobcentre support for low earning households
Created: 27/09/2022, Updated: 30/09/2022Administrative Earnings Threshold – additional jobcentre support for low earning households
On 26 September, the Government raised the Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET) which will see approximately 114,000 Universal Credit Claimants move from the Light Touch regime where most claimants do not need to engage with the Jobcentre, into regular contact with a dedicated work coach.
The change aims to help more low-earning households to increase their incomes and improve their pay and prospects.
The earnings threshold will be increased to £494 per calendar month for individual claimants and £782 for couples, having previously been set at £355 per calendar month for individuals and £567 for couples. Claimants who earn below the new threshold will also have access to training and skills provision.
Those who are impacted will be contacted by DWP about what it means for them, at the end of their first full assessment period after 26 September.
It is important to understand that most claimants affected by the AET rise will already be in work and some may already be working as much as they can, depending on their individual circumstances. Initial meetings with work coaches will be to discuss what is reasonable and may include work preparation, to support claimants in preparing to increase their earnings when they are able to. Claimants will be able to agree an individual claimant commitment which reflects their circumstances.
A further increase to AET, as announced in the Growth Plan will be implemented from January 2023.