How to turn down more hours at work without burning my bridges?

[clairecz]

I've just been ask if I'd like to take on extra hours at work (by a different department I used to work, but in the same organisation).
Personal circumstances are such at the moment that I couldn't really manage any extra workload, and any additional income would possibly mess up my UC payments (which I get as a top up, being a single parent).
Just looking how to turn down the extra hours politely, without appearing unhelpful to the department. They came to me as I did well when previously working for them, and my replacement fell through.
How do I work this?

I would just say appreciate the offer but due to your personal circumstances/commitments you're not looking to increase your hours right now. If you want to leave the door open to working with them in the future then say you might be able to reconsider in 6/9/12/whatever months time so would appreciate future consideration if opportunity arose again?

I'd be surprised if they are funny about it - many, many people who work part time or specific hours do so because it fits their lifestyle abd wouldn't be looking to increase it

How did they approach you verbally or in writing?
I would thank them for thinking of you. And say you would definitely be happy to work within the department again however due to personal circumstances you are not able to take on more hours at the moment.

Why do companies still not get the problems caused by fluctuating hours and UC/tax credits? Its not a new problem, by this stage it has to be wilful blindness.

Really appreciate you thinking of me for the extra hours, unfortunately i’m not in a position to accept at the moment. I will be in touch if my circumstances changes.

they offered the hours
thats literally all they’ve done

any additional income would possibly mess up my UC payments

UC is designed to taper off so that an increase in wages will leave you better off. It shouldn't mess them up.

This isn't always the case unfortunately.