Universal Credit Working Hours

ES19901990

Hi All

I am just wondering how the working hours for universal credit work? I would work full time. But my partner is the main carer of our children and would not be in a position to work full time. If she worked part time say 18 hours a week would she be pressured by UC to find a job with greater hours?

Thanks for any help

kaMelo

The number of hours worked are not a relevant factor, what matters under UC is the amount earned.

ES19901990

Thank You, my partner just earns minimum wage. What would they be xpecting her to earn as the minmum?

kaMelo

As a couple with no caring responsibilities (beyond being a parent) the couples AET is currently £1,437 per month. If you earn more than that betwee you then you would be placed in the light touch regime.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-and-earnings

ES19901990

Hi Kamelo
That's great thank you for your help. Can I just see if I understand correctly.
My Monthly income before tax is £2100.
So in this with the couples AET would my partner not be expected to work as we have met the joint threshold of £1437?

Just finding this so confusing?

ES19901990

If I am the only one working but meet the AET for joint would my partner just be subject to light touch and what is this?

Jackie1813

I think it may depend on how old the children are.

ES19901990

Children are 11 and 6. 11 year old is on the waiting list for an Autism assesment

peteuk

Not sure how thus fits in with AET but if your the nominated career for a chil 3-12 yrs of age  You will be expected to work up to 30 hours a week, or spend up to 30 hours a week on work-related activities such as applying for jobs.

andrewmp

peteuk said:

Not sure how thus fits in with AET but if your the nominated career for a chil 3-12 yrs of age  You will be expected to work up to 30 hours a week, or spend up to 30 hours a week on work-related activities such as applying for jobs.

Not if your partner earns over the AET. She'll be placed in light touch.

NedS

There are two thresholds to individually consider - these are:

Single AET threshold of £892/month, and

Couple Threshold of £1437/month.

Firstly considering the single threshold - if your partner earns £892/month or more, they will be placed in light touch and will not have to look for more work.

If not, then they next consider the Couple AET threshold - if your combined earnings fro both yourself and your partner are above £1437/month, then you will both be placed in light touch and not have to look for more work. It does not matter how that earnings threshold of £1437 is reached, if it is all from your salary, half each or whatever - the only thing that matters is that the combined household earnings are more than £1437.

So she can be placed in light touch and not have to look for more work if either of the above two scenarios are satisfied - it doesn't matter which.

If neither of the above are satisfied (she doesn't earn £892 AND your combined earnings are less than £1437), then she will be expected to attend appointments and commit to looking for more work.