UC and financial support

If you are in financial difficulties, Universal Credit can offer advances in certain circumstances.

Advance and hardship payments

If you are waiting for your first Universal Credit Payment and you do not have enough to live on you can apply for an advance on your first payment. This is called a Universal Credit advance.

You will need to repay this advance in instalments using future Universal Credit payments, earnings or other benefits you are paid.

You can apply for an advanced payment in your Universal Credit online account or through your work coach.

For more information see the other financial support section of Universal Credit GOV.UK

Alternative Payment Arrangements

Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA) are provided where appropriate through Universal Credit for those who are unable to manage a single monthly payment and they are at risk of financial harm. An APA can be considered at any point during the Universal Credit claim.

Budgeting Advance

You can borrow some money to help with emergency household costs such as:

• Replacing a broken cooker
• Help getting a job
• Staying in work
• Funeral costs

This money will be repaid out of your regular Universal Credit payments. If you stop getting Universal Credit you will need to repay the money another way.

Eligibility criteria applies and how much you receive depends on your circumstances.

You will need to sign into your Universal Credit account and contact your work coach. They will tell you how to apply.

Help paying your Council Tax

Council Tax Support (previously Council Tax Benefit) is not included in Universal Credit so you will need to apply to our Revenues and Benefits service separately for help to pay your Council Tax bill.
Please see our Council Tax Support section for more information

For more information see the other financial support section of Universal Credit GOV.UK