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Working hours: benefits rules - How do I calculate hours of paid work?

Benefit entitlement can depend on how many hours of paid work you do per week.

Last reviewed 01 November 2023

How do I calculate hours of paid work?

How your average hours of work are calculated depends on the type of work you do, whether your hours are fixed or variable, and which benefit you are claiming.

It is important to count all the hours you do; if you do more than one job add them together.

Information is provided in the next few pages about how to calculate your hours of work for Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Working Tax Credit. Working hours do not affect Universal Credit. Look at the section that reflects your working situation:

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