Understanding work and benefits
Find out how you can make sure you're better off in work.
Starting a new job, taking on extra hours, or returning to work after a period of not working can affect the benefits you get.
Find our exactly how your benefits could change, what you need to do, and how you can make sure you're better off in work.
Accepting a job offer
If you get a new job while you’re on benefits you must tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If you don’t, you could receive the wrong amount of benefits.
When you contact the DWP, you should:
- tell them the name of your employer
- tell them the start date of your new job or extra hours
- find out if you can apply for help with childcare costs
- discuss your claimant commitment with your work coach.
Refusing a job offer
If you turn down a job offer, you’ll need to tell your work coach as it can affect your claimant commitment.
The DWP can't make you take a job, but if you don’t have a good reason for turning down an opportunity you may be 'sanctioned'. This means having your universal credit temporarily reduced.
How to contact the DWP
To report changes in your circumstances, like accepting or refusing a job offer, contact your work coach online by signing in to your universal credit account.
Freephone: 0800 328 5644
Welsh language: 0800 012 1888
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
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