Universal Credit Advance - What is a Universal Credit Advance?

When you first make a claim for Universal Credit, you will have to wait around five weeks for your first payment.

If you are going to struggle for money during this wait, you can ask for an Advance Payment of Universal Credit. 

The Advance Payment is a loan which you have to pay back from your Universal Credit payments a bit at a time. You don’t pay any interest on a Universal Credit Advance Payment.

If you live in Northern Ireland and are going to struggle while you wait, you may also be able to get a grant. This would not have to be paid back.

Applies to: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Age rules: You must be aged 16 or over

Type of benefit: Means tested

Taxable: No

Administered by: Department for Work and Pensions