Job+Side hustle and universal credit

[Anonymouseky]

Hi, so I’m employed but also get a top up of universal credit due to lowish income. This year, I’ve decided I really need to maximise my income as much as possible as I want to overpay on my mortgage. I want to do everything above board, and would like to start a side hustle. I’ve not decided what yet (maybe surveys) or how I’m going to find the time to do it, but one thing holding me back is the universal credit. Does anyone know what you need to do if you are employed and have a side hustle and are on universal credit? I don’t think I’ll be classed as self employed if I’m just doing surveys to begin with will I? So if I do start with surveys, would I just report what I’ve earned through my universal credit journal and they just take it into account in the next assessment period? Happy to report every penny I earn extra, as I really don’t want to be on universal credit at all, I just have no idea how it works when you have a job and a side hustle. I’d be grateful for any guidance

Sounds fine, just don't try to conceal it.

I doubt you’d make enough doing surveys to have to declare anything. Prolific pays quite well but last time I checked there is a long waiting list to be considered to join.

Thanks both, I’m wondering if it’s worth the hassle or if I should just get another ‘proper’ job. Anyone know what people earn on average on sites like Prolific?

I think you can earn up to £1000 on side hustles without needing to pay tax on it, but I could be wrong. Not sure if the rules are the same for UC as paying tax.

If you ever get accepted by prolific maybe £100 a month from those sort of things. You might be better doing deliveries or selling your old things on vinted or using your time to upskill and apply for better paid jobs.

They're not. You’ll have to register as self employed straight away if you’re on UC, and declare earnings every month.