Advances
Money now, not in five weeks.
The first Universal Credit payment usually takes about 5 weeks. If you cannot wait, you can ask for an advance. Already on Universal Credit and facing a one-off cost? A Budgeting Advance can help.
Key numbers
£812
Budgeting Advance, with children
£464
Budgeting Advance, couple
£348
Budgeting Advance, single
24
Months to pay it back
Advance on your first payment
You can ask for up to the amount of your first estimated payment. You usually find out the same day.
You pay it back from your Universal Credit, usually over 24 months, starting from your first payment. If you are struggling, you can ask to delay repayments for 3 months.
Budgeting Advance: what it can pay for
A one-off cost such as:
- furniture, a cooker, a washing machine or other household items
- clothes or shoes
- repairs or security for your home
- a rent deposit or removal costs if you are moving
- funeral costs
It cannot be used for food, bills, rent or paying off debts. The smallest amount is £100.
Who can get a Budgeting Advance
You usually need to:
- have been on Universal Credit, ESA or Pension Credit for 6 months or more, or need the money to start or keep a job
- have earned less than £2,600 in the last 6 months (£3,600 for couples)
- have paid off any earlier Budgeting Advance
Remember
An advance is a loan, not extra money. It comes out of your future payments, so we help you ask only for what you need.
Figures checked on GOV.UK on 6 October 2026. Rates change every April. Source: gov.uk/universal-credit-advance-hardship-payment
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