Universal credit advances

When you apply for universal credit (UC) it takes at least 5 weeks to get your first payment.

If you need money before then, you could get a UC advance payment.

What is a UC advance payment?

An advance payment is an interest free loan from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

You pay it back from your monthly UC payments. This means you get less UC each month until it's paid back.

How much is an advance payment?

You can get up to 100% of your first UC payment.

If you decide to get an advance, only ask for what you need for things like food, rent and important bills.

How to check what your first UC payment could be

Everyone gets a standard allowance. Some people get extra elements. For example, if you:

• pay rent

• have children

• have a disability or caring responsibilities

Use a free online benefits calculator for an estimate of what you'll get:

• entitledto benefits calculator

• better off calculator (Policy in Practice)

Paying back an advance

Advances are usually paid back over 2 years.

You may have to pay it back sooner if you stop getting UC.

Your monthly UC payments are lower while you pay back the advance.

Ask to delay repayments for up to 3 months if you cannot afford them.

See our universal credit deductions guide.

Other options to think about

Think about any other money you have coming in over the next 5 weeks. For example, wages or redundancy pay.

You can sometimes get other help that you do not have pay back.

For example, help from:

• your council's household support fund

• a local charity or other hardship fund

• a food bank or clothing bank

• close friends or family

Look into other options first if you have time to do this. For example, if you'll soon be moving from ESA to universal credit.

How to get a UC advance

You can: 

• apply through your UC online account

• call the UC helpline on 0800 328 5644

• ask your work coach at your jobcentre interview

Only ask for what you need for things like food, rent, important bills and travel.

Information you need

You need to:

• confirm your identity

• tell the DWP why you need the advance

• give them your bank account details

How soon do you get the money?

You usually get a decision on the same day.

The DWP should pay the money into your bank account within 3 working days.

You can get a same day payment in an emergency. For example, if you have no food.