AET

indigofreeze

I've started a job that will pay me just over the current AET amount but if the AET rises in April (does anyone know how much it will be?) I will probably be just under. 

I have long covid which really isn't recognized and I struggle with fatigue so don't feel able to work more than I do. 

I'm over 55 and have a small private pension that I could take an annuity from. 

Would this annuity be classed as income? Would I still be expected to look for more work if my job and the pension annuity take me over the AET figure?

kaMelo

The current single person AET is £892 per month, this is based upon 18 hours at NLW. As the NLW will increase in April to £12.21, so will the AET, to £952 per month.
Only earned income counts towards the AET, pension income is classed as unearned income so does not count towards the AET but any regular income you do receive from a pension would reduce any UC you do qualify for pound for pound.

If you have not already been found to have LCW/LCWRA or have caring responsibilities then yes, you would be expected to work more/look for more work if your income falls below the AET.  If long covid is causing you to struggle that much then maybe you should consider reporting a new health condition to UC and supply a fit note. You will be asked to take a work capability assessment to see how your condition affects you. If the outcome places you in the no work-related requirements group then you would not be expected to work more/look for more work.

poppy12345

If you haven’t yet been through a work capability assessment and you’re not claiming a disability benefit such as PIP/ADP or DLA if your earnings are more than £16xNMW per week you will not be able to be referred for a work capability assessment.