You can work as many hours as you like and still claim Universal Credit. Your payment is designed to top up your earnings if you have a low income. 

Any amount you earn usually reduces your Universal Credit payment by 55p for every £1 you earn. So, as your earnings increase, your Universal Credit will gradually decrease until it reaches zero. 

If this happens, your Universal Credit claim will stay open for six months in case your income drops and you qualify again, so you don’t have to reapply. This can make it easier to accept temporary or seasonal work.

Check if you’re eligible for a work allowance

Some people can earn a certain amount before their Universal Credit starts to reduce. This is called a work allowance. You’ll qualify for a work allowance if you or your partner are:

• responsible for a child, or
• unable to work many hours due to an illness or disability.

This means your Universal Credit payment will only reduce by 55p for every £1 you earn over your allowance. See our guide How much is Universal Credit? for more information.