How do Universal Credit hours and earnings affect the amount received?

[xxxlove]

Can I ask the thing about the UC when you work: how many hours you need to work to take the bigger amount and why?

Personally not in need of benefits yet but curious about this, two ladies in an 0 h contract job once were fighting over hours regarding things

Assuming a single claim.

If you have earnings UC is reduced by 55p for every £1. If your claim includes children or you have Limited Capability for Work you can keep approx £420 if you get Housing Costs or approx £700 if you don't before the taper starts. This is called a Work Allowance.

UC claimants are expected to agree a Claimant Commitment which will cover the hours/earnings you are expected to have - www.gingerbread.org.uk/find-information/benefits/work-related-expectations-universal-credit/

In practice theirs an Administrative Earnings Limit, which is lower than what's set out above; £952/month in a single claim. As long as you hit that you'll be treated as 'light touch' and not subject to onerous requirements to seek more hours/pay.

If you are single then you have to meet the minimum earnings which is £991 which equates to 18 hours at minimum wage otherwise you’ll have to go for regular appointments at the job centre and are expected to look for work.