New Claim Advance
Updated to reflect new increased rates from 6th April 2020.
When you claim Universal Credit, you will need to wait one month and 7 days for first payment.
If you will struggle financially during this time then you can ask for a new claim advance.
This is intended to cover rent, bills, buy food or other costs.
How to apply
This is only offered in the first assessment period of a new claim, so from date of claim until 7 days before first payment.
You cannot apply until you have passed ID checks.
If you are subject to HRT test, then a decision must be made on this before advance is available.
There is a button on hompage called 'Apply for an advance' which takes you through the process step by step.
You can speak to your work coach at first appointment.
You can call 08003285644.
You must agree to the repayment terms before you can be accepted. Payments can be spread over maximum 12 months.
If you are part of a joint claim, both claimants must agree.
If you need same day payment then explain your financial need and they will make a decision.
If you are refused an advance
You might be refused an advance if you:
How much you can get
The amount offered to each person varies based on circumstances.
The idea is that it is based on your full entitlement but this actually isn't very accurate.
Some entitlement cannot be verified until your assessment period is over or they have received info from previous benefits and they do not account for a deduction for any earned or unearned income.
The amount they can also take in repayments is capped, so even if your award is substantial, there is a limit as to what they can offer.
See more info on Deductions for Advances and Debts
If you will struggle financially during this time then you can ask for a new claim advance.
This is intended to cover rent, bills, buy food or other costs.
How to apply
This is only offered in the first assessment period of a new claim, so from date of claim until 7 days before first payment.
You cannot apply until you have passed ID checks.
If you are subject to HRT test, then a decision must be made on this before advance is available.
There is a button on hompage called 'Apply for an advance' which takes you through the process step by step.
You can speak to your work coach at first appointment.
You can call 08003285644.
You must agree to the repayment terms before you can be accepted. Payments can be spread over maximum 12 months.
If you are part of a joint claim, both claimants must agree.
If you need same day payment then explain your financial need and they will make a decision.
If you are refused an advance
You might be refused an advance if you:
- have enough money to last until your payment of Universal Credit
- live with parents, relatives or friends
- have any final earnings or redundancy payments
- have any accessible savings
How much you can get
The amount offered to each person varies based on circumstances.
The idea is that it is based on your full entitlement but this actually isn't very accurate.
Some entitlement cannot be verified until your assessment period is over or they have received info from previous benefits and they do not account for a deduction for any earned or unearned income.
The amount they can also take in repayments is capped, so even if your award is substantial, there is a limit as to what they can offer.
See more info on Deductions for Advances and Debts
MAXIMUM POSSIBLE AMOUNT FOR ADVANCES
Single, under 25 - £1233.84 (£102.82 x 12)
Single, 25 or over - £1475.64 (£122.97 x 12)
Joint claim, under 25 - £1758.96 (£146.58 x 12)
Joint claim, 25 or over - £2138.92 (£178.21 x 12)
You may not be offered this much.
Your full entitlement may not be that high or they may not have verified everything on your claim when you apply for the advance.
Single, under 25 - £1233.84 (£102.82 x 12)
Single, 25 or over - £1475.64 (£122.97 x 12)
Joint claim, under 25 - £1758.96 (£146.58 x 12)
Joint claim, 25 or over - £2138.92 (£178.21 x 12)
You may not be offered this much.
Your full entitlement may not be that high or they may not have verified everything on your claim when you apply for the advance.
explore more info on basic info and new claim...
- Claim process and what to expect
- An accurate step by step guide on how to calculate your payments - you will learn loads and really understand how your UC claim will work
- What to do if you can't manage with one monthly payment
- You can have your rent paid direct to your landlord - but see why we often don't recommend it!
