Universal Credit Advance - How much Universal Credit Advance will I get?

You can request an Advance Payment of Universal Credit to help you get through the five week wait for your first payment of Universal Credit.

How much Universal Credit Advance will I get?

You can get up to 100% of your estimated entitlement to Universal Credit. However, you will have to pay the amount back through deductions from future payments of Universal Credit and you might not be allowed to borrow an amount that would take more than a year for you to pay back.

You will normally receive the advance within five days of requesting it, but if the DWP agree your situation is urgent payment can be made quicker (even on the same day in some cases).

How do I repay a Universal Credit Advance?

Repayments are made by making deductions directly from your monthly Universal Credit award lasting a period of up to 12 months.

You can ask for the repayments of the advance to be delayed for up to 3 months if you cannot afford it. This is only allowed in exceptional circumstances.

Updated: January 2020

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