Working hours: benefits rules - Calculating work hours : Employees
Benefit entitlement can depend on how many hours of paid work you do per week.
- Last reviewed 01 November 2023
Calculating work hours : Employees
Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance
If you are employed, the number of hours you actually work are taken into account. This can include overtime if it is done routinely. If you do more than one job you should add your total hours together.
Universal Credit
Working hours do not affect Universal Credit. Universal Credit is paid to people in or out of work, and you (or your partner) can work any number of hours and still qualify. Your Universal Credit payments will adjust to your earnings. You can use our Benefits Calculator to find out how increasing your hours or starting a new job could affect what you get.
Was this page helpful?
Tell us the problem
*Required
Thank you
Thank you for your feedback. If you would like to tell us more, please visit our contact us page.
Check benefit entitlement
Find out what means-tested benefits you might be entitled to.
Grants Search
Search our database of grant-giving organisations.
Find an adviser
Search for advice and support services near you.