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.
Video: Universal credit advances
Video transcript
You usually have to wait at least 5 weeks before your first universal credit payment.
If you need money sooner for things like rent, important bills and food you can ask for a universal credit advance.
What is a universal credit advance?
An advance is an interest-free loan from the DWP.
It's important to know before you apply that money is taken off your monthly universal credit payments to repay the advance. So you get less money each month until it's paid back.
Think about any other money you could use instead of taking an advance.
For example, final wages, redundancy pay or help from friends and family.
Asking for a universal credit advance
If you need a UC advance you can:
ask your work coach at your jobcentre interview
call the UC helpline on 0800 328 5644
apply through your UC online account
It's best to ask for the lowest amount you need to cover your essential expenses.
This is because your universal credit payments will be lower for as long as it takes to pay it back.
How soon you'll get the money
You usually get a decision on the same day, and the DWP normally pays you the advance within 3 working days.
You can ask to be paid immediately if it's an emergency.
For example, if you need the money urgently to buy food.
Repaying a universal credit advance
You can usually pay back an advance over 2 years. But you might have to pay it back sooner if you stop claiming UC.
You can ask the DWP to delay repayments for up to 3 months if you cannot afford them.
Shelter adviser Sam explains how to get universal credit sooner if you need the money urgently for things like rent, important bills and food.
[Video length: 01:48]
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:
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.
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.
A UC advance might still be a better option than credit cards or other loans.
Debt charities have free advice, self help tools, online chat and helplines.
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.
Need more help or advice?
Last updated: 31 March 2025
