Can you claim benefits if you work? Universal Credit and other support explained

Millions of people in the UK work but still need financial support to top up income and cope with the cost of living.

As a result, many benefits, including Universal Credit, are designed to support people both in and out of work.

and while your wages can affect how much you receive, there is no simple rule saying you lose all your support as soon as you start working.

You could also qualify for help with childcare, housing costs, Council Tax, school meals and other essential expenses depending on your circumstances.

And from September 2026, the rules around free school meals in England have changed, meaning all children in households receiving Universal Credit can qualify for free school meals, regardless of household earnings.

Here's what help you could get if you're working.

Can you get Universal Credit if you work?

Yes, you can claim Universal Credit if you have a job, including if you work part-time.

There is no set number of hours you are allowed to work while claiming Universal Credit.

Instead, DWP looks at your earnings during each monthly assessment period.

If your earnings go up, your Universal Credit will normally go down.

If your earnings fall, your Universal Credit can increase again, provided you remain eligible.

This means taking on extra hours or getting a pay rise does not necessarily leave you worse off overall.

How much can you earn on Universal Credit?

There isn't one single earnings limit that applies to everyone.

The amount you can earn before your Universal Credit stops depends on your individual circumstances.

Your maximum Universal Credit entitlement depends on factors including:

• Your age

• Whether you are single or in a couple

• Whether you have children

• Your housing costs

• Whether you have a health condition or disability

• Your childcare costs

• Your partner's income

Can you claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you work?

Yes, PIP is not means-tested and is not based on whether you work at all.

It is intended to help people with the extra costs associated with a long-term health condition or disability, and many people receive PIP while continuing to work.

It doesn't matter if you're working full-time, working part-time, self-employed and unemployed.

Can you claim Carer's Allowance if you work?

Yes, you can work and still receive Carer's Allowance, but there is a limit on how much you can earn.

For the 2026/27 tax year, you can earn up to £204 a week after certain deductions and still qualify for Carer's Allowance

The benefit is worth £86.45 a week in 2026/27.

You don't have to live with, or be related to, the person you care for.

And you can only receive one Carer's Allowance payment, even if you care for more than one person.

Can you get benefits if you're self-employed?

Yes, self-employed workers can claim benefits including Universal Credit and PIP if they meet the qualifying conditions.

You'll usually need to report your earnings and expenses to the DWP regularly if you're receiving Universal Credit.