Millions of people in the UK who receive Universal Credit may be eligible for an advance payment of up to £617.60, designed to help those facing financial hardship while waiting for their first payment. This scheme, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), allows claimants to access funds in advance to cover essential expenses such as rent, food, and bills.
Who Is Eligible for the Universal Credit Advance Payment?
The Universal Credit advance payment is available to individuals who are struggling financially while waiting for their first payment. According to the UK Government, new claimants usually receive their first Universal Credit payment seven days after the end of their first assessment period, with subsequent payments arriving monthly on the same date. However, for those who cannot afford basic living expenses during this waiting period, an advance payment may be requested.
To be eligible, a claimant must :
- Be awaiting their first Universal Credit payment.
- Be facing financial hardship, such as difficulty paying rent or buying food.
- Apply for the advance through their Jobcentre Plus work coach, their online account, or the Universal Credit helpline.
How Much Can Claimants Receive?
The amount a claimant can receive depends on their standard allowance within Universal Credit. The maximum advance payment corresponds to the recipient’s monthly Universal Credit entitlement, which varies based on age and household circumstances:
- Single and under 25 – £311.68
- Single and 25 or over – £393.45
- Couple under 25 – £489.23 (for both partners)
- Couple where at least one partner is 25 or over – £617.60 (for both)
Some claimants may receive additional payments if they meet certain criteria, such as having children, a disability, or housing costs.
How Is the Advance Payment Repaid?
It is important to note that this advance payment is a loan, which means it must be repaid over time. Repayments are automatically deducted from future Universal Credit payments until the loan is fully repaid. If a claimant stops receiving Universal Credit, the remaining balance may be recovered from wages or other benefits.
How to Apply for the Universal Credit Advance?
Those in need of an advance payment can apply through one of the following methods:
- Speaking to a Jobcentre Plus work coach
- Applying via their Universal Credit online account
- Calling the Universal Credit helpline
For more details on eligibility and the application process, claimants can visit the official government website: gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances.
Key Considerations for Claimants
Before applying for an advance payment, claimants should consider the following:
- The advance must be repaid, which means future Universal Credit payments will be lower until the loan is settled.
- If a claimant no longer receives Universal Credit, they will still be required to repay the advance through other means.
- The amount received depends on household circumstances and may not cover all financial needs.
For those in urgent financial difficulty, other government schemes and charities may provide additional support.
A Financial Lifeline with Obligations
The Universal Credit advance payment allows eligible claimants to access funds in advance to cover essential expenses while awaiting their first payment. As the advance is a loan, recipients must consider their repayment obligations, which are deducted from future Universal Credit payments or other income sources if they are no longer receiving benefits.
For more information or assistance, claimants can contact Jobcentre Plus, the Universal Credit helpline, or financial advice services.
