Can I get a Universal Credit advance?

The types of Universal Credit advance

An advance is money paid early, which you pay back out of your later Universal Credit payments. The three most common kinds are below. There is also an advance for job expenses, to help you start or stay in work.

Advance on your first payment

Your first payment usually arrives around 5 weeks after you claim. While you wait, you can ask for up to the full amount of your first estimated payment.

Example from GOV.UK: your first estimated payment is £344 and you get £344 as an advance. You pay it back over 24 months, which is £14.33 a month taken from each payment.

Another example: a £900 advance paid back over 24 months is £37.50 a month.

You usually start paying it back out of your first payment. If you are struggling, you can ask to delay repayments by up to 3 months.

Advance when your circumstances change

If a change means you will get more money, such as having a baby, a rent rise or losing your job, you can ask for an advance. You must report the change first. You cannot ask once you have already had the higher payment. It is usually paid back over 6 months, starting from your next payment, and you can ask for a one-month delay.

Budgeting Advance for one-off costs

This is for things like furniture, a cooker, home repairs, clothes, moving costs, funeral costs or a rent deposit. It is not for ongoing costs like food, bills or rent. You usually need to have been on Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit for 6 months or more, unless it is to help you start or stay in work. You cannot get one if you earned over £2,600 (£3,600 for a couple) in the last 6 months. The smallest advance is £100.

How to ask for an advance

1. Explain why you need it in your online journal, or ask your work coach.
2. Or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
3. Have your bank details ready and details of any money or savings you have. You will need to have verified your identity.

For a first payment advance you will usually find out the same day.

Things to know

• Advances are loans, not grants. If you stop claiming, you still have to pay back what you owe.
• Smaller payments for 2 years can be hard. Only ask for what you need.

If you live in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has its own system. As well as advances, you may get a New Claims Grant, which you do not pay back. A Budgeting Advance there is usually paid back over up to 12 months. Check nidirect for details.

Related guides

• What is a Budgeting Advance?
• How do I apply for Universal Credit?
• When will I get my Universal Credit payment?
• What is a Universal Credit assessment period?
• Is the Household Support Fund still running?

Where these figures come from

• Universal Credit: advance on your first payment (GOV.UK)
• Universal Credit: advance if your circumstances change (GOV.UK)
• Universal Credit: Budgeting Advance for unexpected costs (GOV.UK)
• Universal Credit advances and hardship payments (GOV.UK)
• Universal Credit: get an advance or other financial support (GOV.UK)
• Universal Credit advance payments (nidirect)