Working whilst on Universal Credit may be easier than you think! There have been many changes to the rules over the last couple of years. The flexibility now offered to those who also want to work, is greater than ever before.
If you are worried about working whilst on Universal Credit and how it may affect your claim, this blog is for you!
What is Universal Credit?
Contrary to what you may have heard, Universal Credit offers support for people who are working and earning a low income. Also, it supports people who are looking for a job. It’s designed to help with your living costs and is a sum paid on a monthly basis, depending on your working situation and earnings. The payments are calculated each month, giving you greater flexibility to accept short term work or flexible hours.
You may already be claiming Universal Credit. But if you’re not and you are either looking for work, or earning a low income, you could be missing out – Find out if you are entitled to Universal Credit
The 16 hour rule – working whilst on Universal Credit
Previously, in the days of Jobseeker’s Allowance, there were rules around the amount of hours you could work before your payments stopped. This was known as ‘The 16 Hour Rule’. It meant that if you were claiming, 16 hours was considered the maximum you could work. And this prevented many people from increasing their hours, even slightly. This rule no longer applies.
New rules mean that you don’t have to stop and start your claim when working
Did you know that if you are claiming Universal Credit, your claim will continue when you start work? This now means that you can take temporary or seasonal jobs without worrying about having to make a new claim. And you don’t have to worry about gaps between paydays as you move in and out of work either. There are so many short-term, flexible contracts available currently that you can be in work as soon as next week and still claim Universal Credit. And if you want to work greater hours for a period of less than 6 months this is possible too! You will receive automatic notifications if your higher earnings mean that your Universal Credit stops, but if your hours then reduce within 6 months, it’s quick and easy for you to get Universal Credit again.
Take a look at all of our short-term and flexible vacancies. And if you see anything of interest, get in touch with our friendly team today!
How working whilst on Universal Credit works
Here’s what you need to know about working whilst on Universal Credit and the opportunities it opens for you –
- Payments adjust automatically based on your earnings in any month. You can work temporary, part time, or simply add additional hours to your current job. There’s no need to worry about what that means for your benefits
- You can accept full-time seasonal work for up to 6 months. You can do this without needing to close your Universal Credit claim
- If you have children, you may also be eligible for work allowance. The generous childcare support offered will give you greater confidence to change your hours. Or, even take up new job offers you may not have been able to previously due to childcare commitments
- Receive tailored help as part of your job application process if needed
- Gain digital and budgeting skills with training
- Making the most of your potential by encouraging you to process in work
For much more information about Universal Credit and how it works visit – www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk
You could become a key worker!
During the last 12 months, lots of people have been through tough times when it comes to working. Being a key worker suddenly became something many people wished for. Did you know that almost every one of our temporary workers are classed as key workers? And you could be too! Take a look at all our short-term and flexible vacancies today!
