Skip to content
IsItWorthWorking.co.uk
Start Extra hours Guides

Is it worth working extra hours? (UK)

A quick marginal check: what you keep after estimated tax/NI, the UC taper, and extra costs.

Tip: If your UC numbers are unknown, use the Universal Credit calculator first.

Advertisement
Ad slot
Quick links

If your result is tiny, it’s usually the taper + costs.

UC taper explained Work allowance explained Overall check
Advertisement
Ad slot

Enter your extra hours

Use your gross hourly rate.

Example: one extra day ≈ 7–8 hours.

Tax/NI estimate
Estimate how much of the extra gross pay you keep after tax/NI (before UC changes). If you don’t know, use a preset.

Common estimates: 68% (basic-ish), 58% (higher-ish).

Leave 0 if none / unsure.

0.55 = UC reduces 55p for each £1 above allowance.

Childcare, travel, meals, parking, etc.

Optional. Add extra UC childcare reimbursement (if any).

Advertisement
Ad slot