Universal Credit Advance - How do I claim a Universal Credit Advance?

You can request a UC advance by:

• Leaving a message in your UC journal 
• Speaking to your work coach or another person at the jobcentre
• Calling the Universal Credit Helpline:
  • Telephone: 0800 328 5644 (England, Scotland, Wales)
  • Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 328 5644 (England, Scotland, Wales)
  • Telephone: 0800 012 1331 (Northern Ireland)
  • Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 012 1331 (Northern Ireland)

When requesting an UC advance, you'll be asked to provide your bank details so the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can arrange a payment if an advance is agreed.

If you are claiming an advance on a new claim for Universal Credit, you can only claim it if you are within your first assessment period . 

You will usually be told the same day if you can receive the advance payment.

When can I claim a Universal Credit Advance

You claim a Universal Credit Advance when:

• You first claim Universal Credit and are waiting for your first payment 
• You have reported a change of circumstance to the DWP, which increases your entitlement but you are waiting for the increase to be paid.
  • If you are asking for an advance because of a change of circumstances, you might have to show you are in 'financial need', which means you can't afford the things you need to keep you and your family safe and healthy.