Falling below the AET

KJ2022

Good afternoon. 

My partner and I have a joint claim. He works fall time and usually erans above the couple AET. Because of this I have been given no work commitments which admittedly helped as we have young children and finding a job which works around the Children's holidays has been a struggle. I'm currently completing an online course also. 
This month my partners earnings will fall below the AET as he had 4 days off work due to sickness. This is the first time this has happened since being on UC.  

We're duenour new statement on the 7th and we're wondering what is going to happen? 

Will we be sanctioned? 
Will i be now placed in the intensive work search group even though I'm currently enrolled on a course? 

We have both written in the journal informing them of the lower wages for this month and the course but have had no acknowledgement. 

Thank you

tifo

I doubt they'll do anything as sickness is a temporary thing.

NedS

If your partner's earnings drop below the couple AET threshold, you will move into the intensive work regime for the month. You will be booked an appointment at the jobcentre to review your commitments as there will now be an expectation to look for work.

You can discuss your situation with your work coach, that you expect the household earnings to increase again next month as this was a temporary drop due to sickness. The issue is they've heard it all before and month after month people's earnings don't increase, so how much latitude they give you is variable depending on whom you see.

If you do not attend your appointment without good cause, you may be sanctioned. Attending an online course is not good reason - you are expected to be available for work and to attend appointments if the household earnings are below the AET (unless you are a full time student in advanced education with student income that is being deducted from your UC award).

If your partner's earnings do increase again next month, then you will automatically move back into a regime where you are no longer expected to look for work or attend appointments, and any appointments booked for after the 7th of March would be cancelled, so see if you can get any subsequent follow up appointments booked for after 7th March at which point you may no longer be required to attend once you know your partner's earnings for next month.