Conditionality and sanctions
Last updated: 10/04/2025
There are rules around how much you can earn whilst you claim Universal Credit, as well as how many hours you can work. Sanctions and conditionality are two seemingly confusing terms, which we will break down in this page.
Related information
Lone Parent Helpline: 0808 801 0323
See our universal credit advice guide.
You can find out more information from the Universal Credit section on the Govt website.
Conditionality just refers to the set of work-related activities that any person receiving Universal Credit (UC) needs to fulfil in order to be paid their Universal Credit. Anyone who gets Universal Credit will have completed a claimant commitment with their Work Coach. The claimant commitment basically states that you agree to the conditionality in order to receive your payments.
Because of changes to Universal Credit conditionality, there are now certain requirements you will need to meet to continue receiving Universal Credit.
These could be things like:
- attending job interviews
- actively seeking employment
- participating in training programs
- taking part in work experience
If you do not meet these requirements without a valid reason, your Universal Credit payments might be reduced or stopped temporarily. This is called a sanction.
Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you would like more information on how these changes will affect you and your family, our helpline advisors would be happy to speak to you.
What the rules mean for you
- If you are a single parent who is not in paid employment and your youngest child is age 3, you will now be required to seek employment or face potential sanctions to your benefits
- If you are a single parent in paid employment, you will now be expected to work at least 30 hours per week to receive Universal Credit if your children are aged between 3 and 12 years old
- The amount you are allowed to earn (‘the Administrative Earnings threshold’ or AET) has increased from £892 per month to £952 per month for individual claimants, so if you are earning below that, you will be expected to look for more work.
How will they calculate if my job pays enough?
- An ‘earnings threshold’ is used to calculate whether your job pays enough. This is based on the equivalent of a 35-hour week on the National Minimum Wage when your youngest child turns 13 (currently £427.35 if you are 21 or over)
- If your earnings fall below this amount, you must ask your employer to increase your hours, look for an additional job, or find a new job.