Universal Credit: What You Need to Know

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31st January 2025

Universal Credit: What You Need to Know

Navigating the complexities of Universal Credit can be tricky. However, understanding how it works and what support is available can make a significant difference. In this brief guide, we’ll walk you through the basics and offer insights into recent changes, as well as how The Best Connection can help Universal Credit recipients find flexible work opportunities.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment designed to assist individuals with living costs. It provides support for those who are working and on a low income, as well as those who are looking for work. Administered by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), Universal Credit aims to streamline various benefits into one payment.

The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy, are the UK’s biggest public service department administering the State Pension, supporting a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers.

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Recent Changes: Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET)

One change to Universal Credit in the past year, effective from May 13^th 2024, is the increase in the Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET). This threshold determines how much you can earn before your Universal Credit payment is affected. The AET has risen from 15 to 18 hours a week at the National Living Wage rate, which is equivalent to £743 rising to £892, per assessment period. This change means that you can now earn more before seeing a reduction in your Universal Credit payments.

The Best Connection and Universal Credit

At The Best Connection, we prioritise assisting all job seekers, including those who are recipients of Universal Credit, in finding flexible and temporary work opportunities to suit needs and lifestyle. With a network of over 85 branches across the UK, we’re well equipped to assist you in finding suitable roles in your local area.

Our partnership with the DWP strengthens our commitment to this initiative. By working closely with them, we ensure that individuals of all incomes and lifestyles have access to employment opportunities that fit their needs.

How We Can Help

If you’re a Universal Credit recipient looking for flexible and temporary work, The Best Connection can assist you in finding a suitable role. You can:

Visit Your Local Branch: Discover your nearest branch by visiting www.thebestconnection.co.uk/branches. Our friendly and experienced consultants can provide personalised support to help you find the right job.

Browse Available Roles: Explore our latest job opportunities at www.thebestconnection.co.uk/jobs. Filter by location, industry, and job type to find roles that match your skills and preferences.

Navigating Universal Credit doesn’t have to be daunting. With recent changes to the Administrative Earnings Threshold and our commitment to finding flexible work solutions, we’re here to help you take the next step in your employment journey.

Get in touch with us today to explore your options and find a role that works for you!

About The Best Connection

The Best Connection is one of the UK’s leading providers of temporary workforce solutions. For over three decades we have proudly served and supported our clients and candidates across multiple industry sectors, delivering our best-in-class customer service. To find out more please visit our website: https://thebestconnection.co.uk.