Universal Credit - Extra Work

[valeofglam]

I have recently been moved to universal credit after being on tax credits for many years. I am a single working parent.

I am like everyone finding money very tight and have been offered the chance of a couple of bar shifts a month around 5 hours at £12ph. I already work in the day in an admin job.

I want to do it because I could really use the money but I wonder if I do will I get into trouble with the universal credits or would it reduce the amount I get. Is there a certain amount you can earn? Not sure what to do for the best. An knowledgeable person is required!

There is no entirely straightforward answer to this, as it depends on your unique circumstances, but generally:

You are allowed to earn an amount of money each assessment period without it affecting your award - this is called the 'work allowance'.

• If you get help with housing costs through Universal Credit, your Work Allowance is £404 per month.
• If you do not get help with housing costs through Universal Credit, your Work Allowance is £673 per month.

Anything you earn above the work allowance reduces your award at a rate of 55p per £1 earned.

For example if you have a work allowance of £673 and you earn £1000 in an assessment period, your award would be affected by the portion of earnings above £673 (£327 in this example) at the rate of 55p per £1. So your award would be reduced by £179.85.

So it may reduce your award depending on your total earnings.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/universal-credit-uc-income-and-capital/universal-credit-uc-earnings

Like the above says.

Assuming you're already earning above your work allowance your extra wages will reduce your entitlement however you will always be better off doing extra work and you would never be penalised for it.

I've just worked a residential for example so say I've earned £500 in wages for it, I will actually only be better off by £225 due to the extra reducing my entitlement.

Hope that makes sense!