Short Term Benefit Advance - How do I claim a Short Term Benefit Advance?

You need to tell the right benefit office or speak to an adviser in your local Jobcentre if you need a Short Term Benefit Advance.They will then send your request to the benefit centre that deals with your claim so a decision can be made. 

In England, Scotland and Wales

For Contributory/New Style Employment and Support Allowance and Jobseeker's Allowance, you can ask for a Short Term Benefit Advance at your Jobcentre, or contact Jobcentre Plus:

• Telephone: 0800 169 0310
• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 169 0310
• Video relay service for users of British Sign Language
• Welsh language line: 0800 328 0177

The opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

For Carer's Allowance, phone the Carer's Allowance Unit helpline:

• Telephone: 0800 731 0297
• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0297
• Video relay service for users of British Sign Language 
• Welsh language: 0800 731 0297

The opening hours are Monday, 8:45am to 2:00pm, Tuesday to Friday 10:00am to 2:00pm. 

For Pension Credit or State Pension, phone the Pension Service:

• Telephone: 0800 731 0469
• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0469
• Video relay service for users of British Sign Language
• Welsh language line: 0800 731 0453

The opening hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm. 

In Northern Ireland

You can apply for a Short Term Benefit Advance by completing an online Finance Support Form through the Finance Support Service. You can also contact the helpline:

• Telephone: 0800 587 2750
• Textphone: 0800 587 2751
• Video Relay Service: for Irish Sign Language (ISL) and British Sign Language (BSL)

The opening hours are Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm. 

What documents will I need to claim a Short Term Benefit Advance?

You'll need to provide details of the benefits you're currently claiming, along with your National Insurance number and bank account details.

When will my Short Term Benefit Advance claim begin?

If you are eligible you will usually get the Short Term Benefit Advance the next working day after making a claim. It will be paid into your bank or Post Office account

If you don't have a telephone to receive a call back, you should provide an alternative contact method. This could be a friend or family member's phone number. You can also ask to be contacted through your local Jobcentre.