"Work More, Keep More" Explainer
Interactive illustration of how the 5 Oct 2026 change works.
By Scheme Tools Editorial Team · Last updated: 2026-10-10
Work More, Keep More — How the 5 Oct 2026 Change Works
For working-age people in supported housing or temporary accommodation. See the idea behind the new earnings rules.
🆕 New rules from 5 October 2026 (DWP): Housing Benefit now treats earnings closer to how Universal Credit does — so extra hours are less likely to trigger a sharp "cliff edge" cut in housing support.
Before 5 Oct 2026
Housing support could fall faster than under UC rules — some people ended up worse off despite earning more.
From 5 Oct 2026
Earnings treated closer to UC rules — you keep more of what you earn; extra hours finally add up.
Illustrative only — bars show the concept, not your exact benefit amounts. Around 325,000 people are affected, including ~50,000 young people. For your personal calculation, speak to your housing provider, a DWP work coach, or Citizens Advice before changing hours.
Does the change apply to you?
- You are of working age.
- You live in supported housing or temporary accommodation.
- Your housing costs are paid via Housing Benefit (separately from UC living costs).