Urgent question about Conditionality Earnings Threshold policy

Stickman

What does this mean? Does it mean that I'm going to have to look for work? I've recently filled in a PW1 form as I receive money from my music.

OverlyAnxious

If you get LCWRA then the threshold does not apply in your case.

Stickman

I get ESA and PIP, I don't understand.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1040215#Comment_1040215

Ok, you have posted this in the Universal Credit section so I assumed you got UC.

The CET is only for Universal Credit as far as I'm aware, not ESA.

Stickman

OK, I have recently applied for Universal Credit having been on ESA and PIP. I got my migration letter a couple of weeks back. I've read about the Conditionality Earnings Threshold policy.

What does this mean? Does it mean that I'm going to have to look for work? I've recently filled in a PW1 form as I receive money from my music.

I phoned the DWP and they said that I could earn upto £195 without losing any benefit when I was claiming ESA and PIP.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1040267#Comment_1040267

Ok, if you're in the Support Group for ESA now, then you will be automatically put into the LCWRA group of UC after migration.

As you will be in the LCWRA group of UC, the CET does not apply to you. That is only for low earners without health conditions.

Regarding earnings, UC works differently to ESA. There is no earnings limit on UC. If you have LCWRA and get Housing Element then you can earn £411 per month without losing anything. If you earn more than £411 in one month, then the excess creates a deduction of 55p per £1.

You will need to declare your earnings to UC in the online journal on the final day of your assessment period each month.

If you will still be getting New Style ESA in addition to UC, then you will still have to stay under the permitted work threshold for that.

Earnings do not matter for PIP at all because that is totally non-means tested.

Stickman

I'm confused by this - I take it that I am OK if I earn up to £411 a month and not lose any benefits? But I still need to declare my earnings if I earn UNDER £411, is that right? Excuse me for being a bit slow on this.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1043369#Comment_1043369

Yes, you need to declare your earnings at the end of every assessment period, even if they are £0 for that period.