How to claim universal credit
Universal credit advances before your first payment
You have to wait at least 5 weeks for your first universal credit payment.
If you need money for basics like food, rent, gas or electricity during this time, you could ask for a universal credit advance.
An advance is an interest free loan from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) which you pay back through deductions from your monthly universal credit payments.
You can pay the loan back over 2 years but this means that your monthly universal credit payment will be lower while you pay back the advance.
Check if you can get an emergency grant or money help before asking for an advance.
How to get an advance
You can either:
ask your work coach at your jobcentre interview
apply online through your universal credit account
call the universal credit helpline on 0800 328 5644
The universal credit helpline is usually very busy. It may be easier to apply online.
Information you need to provide
You need to:
confirm your identity
explain why you need the advance
provide your bank account details
Good examples of why you may need an advance are for rent, food or important bills.
You will usually be asked about any other money you could use instead. For example, savings, final wages or redundancy pay.
How much to ask for
The most you can get is the same as your estimated first monthly payment.
You don't have to ask for the maximum amount. Remember you have to pay it back.
Think about:
any other money coming in
essential payments over the next 5 weeks, such as rent and food
Only ask for what you need and can afford to pay back
Fabiola shares her experience of getting a universal credit advance and offers some advice if you're thinking of doing the same.
When you get the advance
You usually get a same day decision on a universal credit advance.
The money should be paid into your bank account within 3 working days.
Ask for a same day payment if it's an emergency. For example, if you need it for food.
Paying back an advance
You pay the advance back through deductions from your universal credit, usually over 2 years.
If you stop claiming universal credit because your income goes up, you may have to repay it sooner.
You'll be told how much the monthly deductions will be when you apply.
You can ask to delay repayments for up to 3 months if you can't afford them.
Find out about universal credit deductions for advances and other debts.
If you're refused an advance
You might be refused an advance.
For example, if a work coach or universal credit helpline adviser decides you can manage financially until your first payment comes through.
You can ask them to reconsider a decision but there's no formal right of appeal.
Last updated: 5 October 2021
