Is there a minimum work requirement (Universal Credit) when youngest turns 3

[Giraffe5060]

With part of Universal Credit, once our youngest turns 3 I’m going to have to start work. The issue is I’m not sure how it all works with how many hours I need to work.

Partner works enough on his own to meet the AET requirement but do I have to earn a minimum amount as well? Hopefully will be able to get a job where he works as they are expanding but want to know if I need to have minimum working hours so I can discuss hours.

You would have to look for work and be expected to take any job you are offered, 30 hours a week

If you have a joint claim together there's a couple AET. Me and my partner are over the AET and I don't work. I thought I would be assigned a work coach when DD turned 3 but I wasn't. Now DD has started school at 4 I have a work coach but she said it's all voluntary at this point. I've been offered some free courses to help me get back into work. She said she would make an appointment to call every 2-3 weeks.

@Mrsttcno1 Is that the minimum or Maximum hours I’m expected to work?

The government guidance is “up to 30 hours”, but typically needs to be 16+

For now if your partner is earning the couples aet you shouldn't be asked to do anything.

But the couples aet is likely to be phased out so you should be planning to get back into work and aiming to earn the equivalent of 18 hrs per week at minimum wage.

The longer you're out of work the harder it is to return, so it might be worth you trying to get back into at least a few hours a week now.

It's about meeting the earnings threshold. As far as I know I f it's already met you won't have to work. Otherwise you do hours as needed depending on your pay.

@GirlMumGabby Thanks, that makes sense. So I’m guessing its just as long as joint earnings are above AET then any hours will do. I do want to get back to work to get out the house, I just didnt want them to come and say I’m not working enough.

That’s a shame if they phase it out as some families need one parent at home. Why does it matter if one works 50 hrs a week or both work 25 for example ? As long as they meet the aet. It gives choice and flexibility to those who need it.

@Fleeceyhat because why should the government give money to people able to work but choosing not to??? You really think that makes sense?

But they’d be getting same UC award ? If there’s a couples AET ? Some people do need the flexibility to have that choice depending on their circumstances

Not true.

Indeed. The weeks I can't work extra at least I know we have the UC to fall back on.