Universal Credit advance payment: what it is and how to get one

When you first claim Universal Credit, you have to wait around five weeks for your first payment. For many people, that gap creates a serious financial crisis, especially if you need to pay rent straight away. An advance payment can help bridge that gap. Below, we cover what a Universal Credit advance is, how to apply for one, and what the repayment terms are.

What is a Universal Credit advance?

A Universal Credit advance is a loan from the government that allows you to receive some of your first Universal Credit payment before the waiting period ends. You can claim an advance at any time during your claim, but most people apply when they first start claiming.

An advance is not a grant, you will have to pay it back. It is deducted from your future Universal Credit payments, usually over 24 months (though you can choose a shorter repayment period if you prefer to pay it back sooner).

How much can I get?

You can receive up to 100% of your estimated first Universal Credit payment as an advance. The amount is based on what the Department for Work and Pensions calculates you are likely to receive once your claim is processed.

How do I apply for an advance?

You can apply for a Universal Credit advance through your online journal, the account you use to manage your claim on the GOV.UK website. You can also ask your work coach or call the Universal Credit helpline.

If your circumstances mean you cannot use the online service, you can visit your local Jobcentre Plus.

How quickly do I receive the advance?

An advance is usually paid within three working days of your application being approved. In urgent cases, some advances are paid on the same day or the next working day, ask your work coach if this applies to you.

What happens if I need help with rent before my advance arrives?

If you are in urgent need and cannot wait even a few days, contact your local council. Some councils have hardship funds or can refer you to local emergency assistance. Food banks, Citizens Advice, and local charities may also be able to help in the short term.

If you need help paying a rent deposit or rent in advance when you are moving to a new property, you can apply to the council for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). This is a separate scheme from Universal Credit advances and is worth exploring if the advance alone does not cover what you need.

How will the advance be repaid?

The advance is repaid through automatic deductions from your ongoing Universal Credit payments. Deductions start from the first payment after the advance is made. The maximum repayment period is 24 months, but you can choose a shorter period.

You can ask to change your repayment period if your circumstances change, contact your work coach to discuss this.

What if I am having trouble repaying?

If deductions from your Universal Credit are causing you hardship, for example, leaving you unable to pay your rent, you can ask for the deduction amount to be reviewed. It may be possible to reduce the monthly amount being taken, though this extends the repayment period.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

We handle housing disrepair claims, not Universal Credit issues. But if your rented home has disrepair your landlord has not fixed, you may have a separate right to compensation.

Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.

Sources

• Welfare Reform Act 2012 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Universal Credit (GOV.UK)

Related articles

• Housing Benefit and private rented housing
• Free housing legal advice in England, where to get it