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</div> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </header> <div class=""> <div class="gem-c-layout-for-public__blue-bar govuk-width-container"></div> </div> <div id="wrapper" class="direction-ltr govuk-width-container"> <div class="gem-c-contextual-breadcrumbs"> <div class="govuk-!-display-none-print"> <nav data-module="ga4-link-tracker" aria-label="Breadcrumb" class="gem-c-breadcrumbs govuk-breadcrumbs govuk-breadcrumbs--collapse-on-mobile"> <ol class="govuk-breadcrumbs__list"> <li class="govuk-breadcrumbs__list-item"> <a data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"breadcrumb","index_link":"1","index_total":"3"}' class="govuk-breadcrumbs__link" href="/">Home</a> </li> <li class="govuk-breadcrumbs__list-item"> <a data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"breadcrumb","index_link":"2","index_total":"3"}' class="govuk-breadcrumbs__link" href="/welfare">Welfare</a> </li> <li class="govuk-breadcrumbs__list-item"> <a data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"breadcrumb","index_link":"3","index_total":"3"}' class="govuk-breadcrumbs__link" href="/welfare/universal-credit">Universal Credit</a> </li> </ol> </nav> </div> </div> <main role="main" id="content" class="detailed-guide" lang="en"> <span id="Top"></span> <div class="govuk-grid-row gem-print-columns-none"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <div class="gem-c-title govuk-!-margin-top-8 govuk-!-margin-bottom-8"> <span class="govuk-caption-xl gem-c-title__context"> Guidance </span> <h1 class="gem-c-title__text govuk-heading-l"> Universal Credit advances </h1> </div> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-one-third"> <nav role="navigation" class="gem-c-translation-nav govuk-!-display-none-print gem-c-translation-nav " aria-label="Translations"> <ul class="gem-c-translation-nav__list"> <li class="gem-c-translation-nav__list-item"> <span lang="en">English</span> </li> <li class="gem-c-translation-nav__list-item"> <a hreflang="cy" lang="cy" rel="alternate" class="govuk-link gem-c-translation-nav__link " href="/guidance/universal-credit-advances.cy">Cymraeg</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <p class="gem-c-lead-paragraph">If you don’t have enough to live on while you wait for your first payment you may be able to get an advance of your first Universal Credit payment. </p> </div> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-row"> <div class="metadata-logo-wrapper"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds metadata-column"> <div class="gem-c-metadata" data-module="gem-toggle metadata"> <dl class="gem-c-metadata__list"> <dt class="gem-c-metadata__term">From:</dt> <dd class="gem-c-metadata__definition"> <a class="govuk-link" href="/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions">Department for Work and Pensions</a> </dd> <dt class="gem-c-metadata__term">Published</dt> <dd class="gem-c-metadata__definition">23 October 2017</dd> <dt class="gem-c-metadata__term">Last updated</dt> <dd class="gem-c-metadata__definition"> 20 October 2022 — <a href="#full-publication-update-history" class="gem-c-metadata__definition-link govuk-!-display-none-print js-see-all-updates-link"> See all updates </a> </dd> </dl> </div> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-one-third"> </div> </div> </div> <div data-module="ga4-link-tracker" class="govuk-!-display-none-print govuk-!-margin-bottom-6"> <form class="gem-c-single-page-notification-button" action="/email/subscriptions/single-page/new" method="POST" data-button-location="top" data-button-text-subscribe="Get emails about this page" data-button-text-unsubscribe="Stop getting emails about this page"> <input type="hidden" name="base_path" value="/guidance/universal-credit-advances"> <button class="govuk-body-s gem-c-single-page-notification-button__submit" type="submit" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"navigation","type":"subscribe","index_link":1,"index_total":2,"section":"Top","url":"/email/subscriptions/single-page/new"}'> <svg 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data-module="ga4-link-tracker" aria-label="Contents" class="gem-c-contents-list govuk-!-margin-bottom-4" role="navigation"> <h2 class="gem-c-contents-list__title"> Contents </h2> <ol class="gem-c-contents-list__list"> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":8,"index_link":1}' href="#how-to-apply-for-a-universal-credit-advance">How to apply for a Universal Credit advance</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":8,"index_link":2}' href="#how-much-you-can-get">How much you can get</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":8,"index_link":3}' href="#cost-of-repayments">Cost of repayments</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":8,"index_link":4}' href="#how-the-advance-is-repaid">How the advance is repaid</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":8,"index_link":5}' href="#if-you-are-refused-an-advance">If you are refused an advance</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":8,"index_link":6}' href="#if-you-no-longer-get-universal-credit-and-have-not-paid-back-your-advance">If you no longer get Universal Credit and have not paid back your advance</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":8,"index_link":7}' href="#if-you-no-longer-get-universal-credit-and-cannot-pay-back-your-advance">If you no longer get Universal Credit and cannot pay back your advance</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <span class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item-dash" aria-hidden="true"></span> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link gem-c-force-print-link-styles govuk-link--no-underline" data-ga4-link='{"event_name":"select_content","section":"Contents","type":"contents list","index_total":8,"index_link":8}' href="#get-an-advance-in-an-emergency">Get an advance in an emergency</a> </li> </ol> </nav> </div> <div class="gem-c-print-link govuk-!-display-none-print govuk-!-margin-top-0 govuk-!-margin-bottom-6"> <button class="govuk-link govuk-body-s gem-c-print-link__button" data-module="print-link">Print this page</button> </div> <div data-module="govspeak" class="gem-c-govspeak govuk-govspeak govuk-!-margin-bottom-0"> <div class="govspeak"> <p>When you make a new claim for Universal Credit you will normally receive your first payment 7 days after the end of your first <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments-payment-cycles#assessment-period" class="govuk-link">assessment period</a>. You will then be paid monthly on the same date, unless your payment date falls on a weekend or Bank Holiday.</p> <p>You can apply for an advance payment of your Universal Credit if you are in financial hardship while you wait for your first payment, for example, if you can’t afford to pay your rent or buy food.</p> <p>You will need to pay back your advance a bit at a time from your future Universal Credit payments, or by other means if you no longer get Universal Credit, for example, from your wages or other benefit you may be getting.</p> <p>If you are already receiving Universal Credit you may also be able to get a <a href="#get-a-budgeting-advance" class="govuk-link">Budgeting Advance</a> to help pay for emergency household costs, for example, buying a new cooker or for help getting a job or staying in work.</p> <h2 id="how-to-apply-for-a-universal-credit-advance">How to apply for a Universal Credit advance</h2> <p>You can apply for a Universal Credit advance:</p> <ul> <li>before you get your first payment</li> <li>if you are already being paid Universal Credit and have told us of a change in your circumstances that means you will be paid more Universal Credit but have not yet been paid the increased amount</li> </ul> <p>To apply for a Universal Credit advance you can:</p> <ul> <li>speak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach</li> <li>apply through your online account</li> <li>call the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/contact-universal-credit" class="govuk-link">Universal Credit helpline</a> </li> </ul> <h3 id="applying-through-your-online-account">Applying through your online account</h3> <p>Choose the ‘apply for an advance’ section to apply for an advance online through your account .</p> <p>You can only apply for an advance online if you are within your first Universal Credit assessment period and you have had an interview at the jobcentre. If you have passed your first assessment period you will need to apply by calling the helpline.</p> <p>When you apply for an advance online, the amount you can get will be shown on screen.</p> <p>If you are part of a couple you will also be asked if your partner agrees to the advance.</p> <h3 id="applying-through-your-work-coach-or-the-universal-credit-helpline">Applying through your work coach or the Universal Credit helpline</h3> <p>If you apply for an advance by speaking to your work coach or calling the Universal Credit helpline, you (and your partner if you have one) will need to:</p> <ul> <li>explain why you need an advance</li> <li>provide bank account details where the advance should be paid (talk to your work coach if you cannot open an account)</li> <li>have had your identity checked at a jobcentre</li> </ul> <h3 id="when-youll-get-a-decision">When you’ll get a decision</h3> <p>You’ll get a quick decision on your advance application. You’ll usually be told the outcome on the same day.</p> <h2 id="how-much-you-can-get">How much you can get</h2> <p>You may be able to get up to 100% of your estimated Universal Credit payment.</p> <p>You will need to repay an advance from future Universal Credit payments or by other means if you no longer get Universal Credit, such as from wages or other benefits you may be getting.</p> <h2 id="cost-of-repayments">Cost of repayments</h2> <p>If you apply for an advance online you will be shown on screen the repayment amounts for different repayment periods.</p> <p>If you apply by phone, the Universal Credit helpline adviser assesses whether you can afford to repay the advance. If they agree to the advance, they will tell you over the phone:</p> <ul> <li>how much you can have</li> <li>the monthly repayment amounts</li> <li>when the first repayment is due</li> </ul> <h2 id="how-the-advance-is-repaid">How the advance is repaid</h2> <p>Deductions are made from your monthly Universal Credit payment. The first deduction is made on the day you get your first payment. You must usually pay back the advance within:</p> <ul> <li>24 months if you apply for the advance on or after 12 April 2021 because you’ve made a new claim for Universal Credit</li> <li>12 months if you applied for the advance before 12 April 2021 because you made a new claim for Universal Credit</li> <li>6 months if you apply for the advance because of a change of circumstances</li> </ul> <p>You can ask for your repayments to be delayed if you cannot afford them. Repayments can be delayed for:</p> <ul> <li>3 months if the advance is for a new claim</li> <li>1 month if the advance is for a change of circumstances</li> </ul> <p>This is only allowed in exceptional circumstances.</p> <h2 id="if-you-are-refused-an-advance">If you are refused an advance</h2> <p>You might be refused an advance if you:</p> <ul> <li>have not had your identity checked at the Jobcentre</li> <li>have enough money to last until your payment of Universal Credit</li> <li>live with parents, relatives or friends</li> <li>have any final earnings or redundancy payments</li> <li>have any accessible savings</li> </ul> <p>You can ask for the decision to be reconsidered but you do not have a right to appeal.</p> <h2 id="if-you-no-longer-get-universal-credit-and-have-not-paid-back-your-advance">If you no longer get Universal Credit and have not paid back your advance</h2> <p>You will need to continue to pay back your advance, even if you stop getting Universal Credit.</p> <p>If you move from Universal Credit to another benefit the deductions will usually continue from your payments until the advance is paid off.</p> <p>If you move off benefits you will receive a letter telling you how much you owe. The letter will ask you to contact <abbr title="Department for Work and Pensions">DWP</abbr> Debt Management Contact Centre to arrange your repayments. It is important that you do not ignore this letter.</p> <p>If you don’t make payment arrangements, the <abbr title="Department for Work and Pensions">DWP</abbr> can recover the amount you owe by either:</p> <ul> <li>contacting your employer (where you have one) to arrange for deductions to be made from your earnings</li> <li>asking an independent debt collection agency to collect this money on our behalf (you should deal directly with the independent debt collector to arrange repayment)</li> </ul> <h2 id="if-you-no-longer-get-universal-credit-and-cannot-pay-back-your-advance">If you no longer get Universal Credit and cannot pay back your advance</h2> <p>You can contact the <abbr title="Department for Work and Pensions">DWP</abbr> Debt Management contact centre if you can’t afford to pay back the amount you owe.</p> <p>They can help you come to an affordable arrangement to pay back your advance as well as providing:</p> <ul> <li>support with setting up monthly repayments by Direct Debit</li> <li>paying-in slips for cheque or cash payments</li> </ul> <div class="contact"> <p><strong>DWP Debt Management contact centre</strong><br> Telephone: 0800 916 0647<br> <a href="https://www.relayuk.bt.com" class="govuk-link">Relay UK</a> – if you cannot hear or speak on the phone: 18001 then 0800 916 0647<br> Textphone: 0800 916 0651<br> Calling from abroad: +44 (0)161 904 1233<br> Monday to Friday, 8am to 7.30pm<br> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/call-charges" class="govuk-link">Find out about call charges</a></p> </div> <div class="contact"> <p>British Sign Language (BSL) <a href="https://connect.interpreterslive.co.uk/vrs?ilc=DWP" class="govuk-link">video relay service</a> if you’re on a computer - find out how to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oELNMfAvDxw" data-youtube-player="off" class="govuk-link">use the service on mobile or tablet</a><br> Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm</p> </div> <h2 id="get-an-advance-in-an-emergency">Get an advance in an emergency</h2> <p>You might be able to get a Budgeting Advance to help with:</p> <ul> <li>emergency household costs such as replacing a broken cooker</li> <li>getting a job or staying in work</li> <li>funeral costs</li> </ul> <p>A Budgeting Advance is a loan, and you’ll need to repay it through your regular Universal Credit payments – your payments will be lower until you pay it back. You’ll be told how much your payments will be reduced by.</p> <p>Find out more about <a href="https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/other-financial-support#how-to-get-an-advance-in-an-emergency" class="govuk-link">getting an advance in an emergency</a>.</p> </div> </div> <h2 class="govuk-visually-hidden">Updates to this page</h2> <div class="app-c-published-dates app-c-published-dates--history govuk-!-margin-bottom-5" id="full-publication-update-history" data-module="gem-toggle" lang="en"> Published 23 October 2017 <br>Last updated 20 October 2022 <a href="#full-history" class="app-c-published-dates__toggle govuk-link" data-controls="full-history" data-expanded="false" data-toggled-text="- hide all updates" data-module="ga4-event-tracker" data-ga4-event='{"event_name":"select_content","type":"content history","section":"Footer"}' data-ga4-expandable>+ show all updates</a> <div class="app-c-published-dates__change-history js-hidden" id="full-history"> <ol class="app-c-published-dates__list"> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2022-10-20T13:25:32.000+01:00">20 October 2022</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Updated the link to the video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2022-04-04T00:15:04.000+01:00">4 April 2022</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Changed DWP Debt Management contact centre opening times to Monday to Friday 8am to 7.30pm (from Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm).</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2021-09-16T14:29:51.000+01:00">16 September 2021</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Changed DWP Debt Management centre opening hours to 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2021-09-06T00:15:01.000+01:00">6 September 2021</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">DWP Debt Management contact centre opening hours changed from 9am to 5pm, to 9am to 6pm.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2021-04-19T00:30:04.000+01:00">19 April 2021</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Updated the DWP Debt Management telephone service opening hours to 9am to 5pm.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2021-04-12T14:22:11.000+01:00">12 April 2021</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Updated to explain that repayments of an advance can be delayed for 1 month if you cannot afford them and the advance was paid because of a change of circumstances.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2021-04-12T00:15:04.000+01:00">12 April 2021</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">If you apply for a Universal Credit advance on or after 12 April 2021, the time you must usually pay back the advance has been extended from 12 to 24 months.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2020-04-01T12:28:59.000+01:00">1 April 2020</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Added translation</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2020-02-06T14:57:27.000+00:00">6 February 2020</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Budgeting Allowance eligibility section updated to include income-related Employment and Support allowance and income-related Jobseeker's Allowance.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2019-09-18T14:44:25.000+01:00">18 September 2019</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Updated the guidance to explain that you need to have your identity checked at a jobcentre before you can apply for a Universal credit advance.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2019-08-06T11:52:18.000+01:00">6 August 2019</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Added translation</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2019-06-10T16:29:24.000+01:00">10 June 2019</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Added 'help with funeral costs' to the Budgeting Advance section.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2018-07-05T11:51:39.000+01:00">5 July 2018</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Updated information about how to apply for an advance of Universal Credit.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2018-03-01T13:37:23.000+00:00">1 March 2018</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Information updated about when a claimant moves off Universal Credit and a Universal Credit advance has not been fully repaid.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2018-02-14T00:15:27.000+00:00">14 February 2018</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Amended the first payment information. The first payment will now usually be received 1 month and 7 days after a claim is submitted.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2018-01-03T00:15:00.000+00:00">3 January 2018</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Changes to advance payment amounts and repayment periods.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2017-11-29T06:00:44.000+00:00">29 November 2017</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">Updated guide with new 0800 freephone numbers for Universal Credit.</p> </li> <li class="app-c-published-dates__change-item"> <time class="app-c-published-dates__change-date timestamp" datetime="2017-10-23T00:00:00.000+01:00">23 October 2017</time> <p class="app-c-published-dates__change-note">First published.</p> </li> </ol> </div> </div> <div class="published-dates-button-group"> <h2 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", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GOV.UK", "url": "https://www.gov.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-logo-b15a4d254746d1642b8187217576d1e8fe50b51352d352fda13eee55d3c1c80a.png" } }, "image": [ "https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-1x1-c3d38c0d4fc00005df38a71e1db7097276681d6917bca58f0dc8336a252e1bb3.png", "https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-4x3-edc38c137a14ecfc3fc83f404090e20dab806dad345c96a1df6a163ee2d1e3aa.png", "https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-16x9-5dc2d0ea1eb72cd94e66db210ef41b22ce364e7ed09d63a3acc28fda09e27864.png" ], "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Department for Work and Pensions", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions" }, "isPartOf": [ { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "CreativeWork", "sameAs": "https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/universal-credit-detailed-information-for-claimants" }, { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "CreativeWork", "sameAs": "https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/universal-credit-information-for-landlords" } ], "about": [ { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "https://www.gov.uk/welfare/universal-credit" }, { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "https://www.gov.uk/welfare/welfare-reform" } ], "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Universal Credit advances", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances", "text": "\u003cdiv class=\"govspeak\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you make a new claim for Universal Credit you will normally receive your first payment 7 days after the end of your first \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments/universal-credit-different-earning-patterns-and-your-payments-payment-cycles#assessment-period\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eassessment period\u003c/a\u003e. You will then be paid monthly on the same date, unless your payment date falls on a weekend or Bank Holiday.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou can apply for an advance payment of your Universal Credit if you are in financial hardship while you wait for your first payment, for example, if you can’t afford to pay your rent or buy food.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou will need to pay back your advance a bit at a time from your future Universal Credit payments, or by other means if you no longer get Universal Credit, for example, from your wages or other benefit you may be getting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are already receiving Universal Credit you may also be able to get a \u003ca href=\"#get-a-budgeting-advance\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eBudgeting Advance\u003c/a\u003e to help pay for emergency household costs, for example, buying a new cooker or for help getting a job or staying in work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-to-apply-for-a-universal-credit-advance\"\u003eHow to apply for a Universal Credit advance\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou can apply for a Universal Credit advance:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ebefore you get your first payment\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eif you are already being paid Universal Credit and have told us of a change in your circumstances that means you will be paid more Universal Credit but have not yet been paid the increased amount\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo apply for a Universal Credit advance you can:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003espeak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eapply through your online account\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ecall the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/contact-universal-credit\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eUniversal Credit helpline\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"applying-through-your-online-account\"\u003eApplying through your online account\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose the ‘apply for an advance’ section to apply for an advance online through your account .\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou can only apply for an advance online if you are within your first Universal Credit assessment period and you have had an interview at the jobcentre. If you have passed your first assessment period you will need to apply by calling the helpline.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you apply for an advance online, the amount you can get will be shown on screen.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are part of a couple you will also be asked if your partner agrees to the advance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"applying-through-your-work-coach-or-the-universal-credit-helpline\"\u003eApplying through your work coach or the Universal Credit helpline\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you apply for an advance by speaking to your work coach or calling the Universal Credit helpline, you (and your partner if you have one) will need to:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eexplain why you need an advance\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eprovide bank account details where the advance should be paid (talk to your work coach if you cannot open an account)\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ehave had your identity checked at a jobcentre\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"when-youll-get-a-decision\"\u003eWhen you’ll get a decision\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll get a quick decision on your advance application. You’ll usually be told the outcome on the same day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-much-you-can-get\"\u003eHow much you can get\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou may be able to get up to 100% of your estimated Universal Credit payment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou will need to repay an advance from future Universal Credit payments or by other means if you no longer get Universal Credit, such as from wages or other benefits you may be getting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"cost-of-repayments\"\u003eCost of repayments\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you apply for an advance online you will be shown on screen the repayment amounts for different repayment periods.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you apply by phone, the Universal Credit helpline adviser assesses whether you can afford to repay the advance. If they agree to the advance, they will tell you over the phone:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ehow much you can have\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ethe monthly repayment amounts\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ewhen the first repayment is due\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-the-advance-is-repaid\"\u003eHow the advance is repaid\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDeductions are made from your monthly Universal Credit payment. The first deduction is made on the day you get your first payment. You must usually pay back the advance within:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e24 months if you apply for the advance on or after 12 April 2021 because you’ve made a new claim for Universal Credit\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e12 months if you applied for the advance before 12 April 2021 because you made a new claim for Universal Credit\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e6 months if you apply for the advance because of a change of circumstances\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou can ask for your repayments to be delayed if you cannot afford them. Repayments can be delayed for:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e3 months if the advance is for a new claim\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e1 month if the advance is for a change of circumstances\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is only allowed in exceptional circumstances.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"if-you-are-refused-an-advance\"\u003eIf you are refused an advance\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou might be refused an advance if you:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ehave not had your identity checked at the Jobcentre\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ehave enough money to last until your payment of Universal Credit\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003elive with parents, relatives or friends\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ehave any final earnings or redundancy payments\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ehave any accessible savings\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou can ask for the decision to be reconsidered but you do not have a right to appeal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"if-you-no-longer-get-universal-credit-and-have-not-paid-back-your-advance\"\u003eIf you no longer get Universal Credit and have not paid back your advance\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou will need to continue to pay back your advance, even if you stop getting Universal Credit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you move from Universal Credit to another benefit the deductions will usually continue from your payments until the advance is paid off.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you move off benefits you will receive a letter telling you how much you owe. The letter will ask you to contact \u003cabbr title=\"Department for Work and Pensions\"\u003eDWP\u003c/abbr\u003e Debt Management Contact Centre to arrange your repayments. It is important that you do not ignore this letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t make payment arrangements, the \u003cabbr title=\"Department for Work and Pensions\"\u003eDWP\u003c/abbr\u003e can recover the amount you owe by either:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003econtacting your employer (where you have one) to arrange for deductions to be made from your earnings\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003easking an independent debt collection agency to collect this money on our behalf (you should deal directly with the independent debt collector to arrange repayment)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"if-you-no-longer-get-universal-credit-and-cannot-pay-back-your-advance\"\u003eIf you no longer get Universal Credit and cannot pay back your advance\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou can contact the \u003cabbr title=\"Department for Work and Pensions\"\u003eDWP\u003c/abbr\u003e Debt Management contact centre if you can’t afford to pay back the amount you owe.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey can help you come to an affordable arrangement to pay back your advance as well as providing:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003esupport with setting up monthly repayments by Direct Debit\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003epaying-in slips for cheque or cash payments\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"contact\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDWP Debt Management contact centre\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTelephone: 0800 916 0647\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.relayuk.bt.com\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eRelay UK\u003c/a\u003e – if you cannot hear or speak on the phone: 18001 then 0800 916 0647\u003cbr\u003e\nTextphone: 0800 916 0651\u003cbr\u003e\nCalling from abroad: +44 (0)161 904 1233\u003cbr\u003e\nMonday to Friday, 8am to 7.30pm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/call-charges\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003eFind out about call charges\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"contact\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBritish Sign Language (BSL) \u003ca href=\"https://connect.interpreterslive.co.uk/vrs?ilc=DWP\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003evideo relay service\u003c/a\u003e if you’re on a computer - find out how to \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oELNMfAvDxw\" data-youtube-player=\"off\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003euse the service on mobile or tablet\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMonday to Friday, 9am to 5pm\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"get-an-advance-in-an-emergency\"\u003eGet an advance in an emergency\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou might be able to get a Budgeting Advance to help with:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eemergency household costs such as replacing a broken cooker\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003egetting a job or staying in work\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003efuneral costs\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA Budgeting Advance is a loan, and you’ll need to repay it through your regular Universal Credit payments – your payments will be lower until you pay it back. You’ll be told how much your payments will be reduced by.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/other-financial-support#how-to-get-an-advance-in-an-emergency\" class=\"govuk-link\"\u003egetting an advance in an emergency\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003c/div\u003e" } } ] } </script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "name": "Home", "@id": "https://www.gov.uk/" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "name": "Welfare", "@id": "https://www.gov.uk/welfare" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "name": "Universal Credit", "@id": "https://www.gov.uk/welfare/universal-credit" } } ] } </script> </body> </html>