People who receive Universal Credit could be at risk of losing their monthly benefit due to a rule change coming into force in January.
Claimants working part-time may have to start looking for more or better paid work if they want to continue receiving the money. Currently, people working 12 or less hours a week at the national minimum wage must actively look for extra hours or better paid work to continue to be eligible for Universal Credit. They must also meet regularly with a work coach.
However, a new rule set to come into force on January 30, will increase this to 15 hours or less at minimum wage, meaning an estimated 120,000 people will have to earn more to be exempt. If they do not meet the requirements they could lose their Universal Credit payments.
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The Government has said certain groups will remain exempt from sanctions, including people who are unable to work because of long-term sickness or a disability and those over the state pension age of 66. A person's earnings threshold is unique to them based on their specific circumstances.
For example, at the moment, if someone is single, employed and has household earnings of more than £494 a month they would not be required to look for work. The same applies if they're a couple and earning more than £782 jointly, reports The Mirror.
But these amounts will rise to £618 and £988 respectively, so if you earn below that you will need to look for more or better paid work. If you're not sure how you will be affected it's worth speaking to your work coach or a charity like Turn2Us for advice. They have a free number you can call them on at 0808 802 2000.
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