Universal Credit Advance Payment – How Long Does It Take to Go in Bank?
Universal Credit provides essential financial support for individuals and families, but the waiting period for the first payment can create financial difficulties.
To help cover essential expenses during this time, claimants can apply for an advance payment.
This guide explains the processing time for a Universal Credit advance payment, how to apply, possible delays, and what to do if your payment takes longer than expected.
How to Apply for a Universal Credit Advance?
If you are struggling to pay bills or cover other expenses while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment, an advance can help. The maximum advance you can receive is equal to your first estimated payment.
Steps to Apply
- Apply online: Log in to your Universal Credit account and request an advance.
- Speak to your work coach: If you are unable to apply online, you can request an advance through your Jobcentre Plus work coach.
- Provide necessary details, including:
- A reason for requesting the advance
- Identity verification (online or over the phone with a work coach)
- Bank account details to receive the payment (speak to a work coach if you cannot open an account)
- Receive a decision: In most cases, you will be informed the same day whether the advance has been approved.
If You Need Help
- If you have difficulty applying for an advance, you can call the Universal Credit helpline for assistance.
How Long Does It Take for a Universal Credit Advance Payment to Arrive?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) generally processes advance payments within three working days.
However, if you are in urgent financial need and have no other money to live on, you can request a same-day payment.
Factors Affecting Payment Speed
- Standard processing time: Most payments are transferred within three working days.
- Same-day payments: In emergencies, DWP may approve an advance on the same day, except on Sundays or bank holidays.
- Weekend and bank holiday delays: If your payment is approved on a Friday or during a bank holiday period, it may take longer to reach your bank account.
- Bank processing times: Some banks process payments faster than others, which can impact when the money appears in your account.
- Application timing: Requests made earlier in the day may be processed faster than those made later.
Repaying a Universal Credit Advance
Since a Universal Credit advance is a loan, it must be repaid through deductions from future Universal Credit payments.
Repayment Terms
- The standard repayment period is 24 months.
- Deductions begin from your first Universal Credit payment after receiving the advance.
Example of Advance Repayment
If your first estimated Universal Credit payment is £344 and you receive an advance of £344, the repayment would be as follows:
| Total Advance Amount | Repayment Period | Monthly Deduction | Amount Received After Deduction |
| £344 | 24 months | £14.33 | £329.67 |
In this case, each month, £14.33 would be deducted from your Universal Credit payment, meaning your monthly benefit payment would be £329.67 instead of £344.
Can You Request a Repayment Extension?
If you are struggling to repay, you may be able to:
- Request an extension of the repayment period.
- Apply for a temporary reduction in deductions if you are experiencing financial hardship.
If repayments become unmanageable, contact DWP as soon as possible to explore your options.
What to Do If Your Universal Credit Advance Is Delayed?
If your advance payment does not arrive within the expected timeframe, consider the following steps:
Check Your Payment Status
- Log in to your Universal Credit account and check for updates on the payment.
- Ensure your bank details are correct to prevent delays.
Contact Universal Credit Support
If your payment has not been received within three working days, call the Universal Credit helpline or visit your local Job Centre for assistance.
Be prepared to provide your claim reference number and bank details for verification.
Request Emergency Support
If you have no money to live on due to a delay, DWP may be able to issue an emergency same-day payment, except on Sundays and bank holidays. Other support options include:
- Short-term Benefit Advances
- Local Welfare Assistance Schemes (available in some councils)
Alternative Financial Support Options
If you need financial help but do not want to take a Universal Credit advance, there are other options available:
- Budgeting Loans: If you have been receiving Universal Credit for at least six months, you may be eligible for a Budgeting Loan to help with essential costs.
- Local Council Assistance: Some local councils offer emergency support funds for residents in financial hardship.
- Charities and Organisations: Charities such as Turn2Us, StepChange, and Citizens Advice provide financial guidance and hardship grants.
Conclusion
A Universal Credit advance payment can help cover essential expenses while waiting for your first benefit payment.
Most advances are processed within three working days, but in urgent cases, same-day payments may be available.
If your payment is delayed, check your Universal Credit account, ensure your bank details are correct, and contact DWP for assistance.
If you struggle to repay the advance, consider alternative financial support options such as Budgeting Loans or local council aid. If you need more information about Universal credit or other UK Benefits and support, visit Universal Credit News.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a Universal Credit advance on the same day?
Yes, if you have no other money to live on, you can request a same-day Universal Credit advance. This is not guaranteed and does not apply on Sundays or bank holidays.
Will my Universal Credit advance go into my bank account instantly?
No, advance payments typically take up to three working days to process. However, in urgent cases, a same-day payment may be issued.
Do weekends affect Universal Credit advance payments?
Yes, if a payment is processed on a Friday or over the weekend, it may not appear in your bank account until Monday or Tuesday.
How do I track my Universal Credit advance payment?
You can check the status of your advance payment by logging into your Universal Credit online account or calling the Universal Credit helpline.
Can I request more than one advance payment?
No, you can only request one advance per claim period. However, if your circumstances change, you may be able to apply for additional support.
What if my advance payment request is denied?
If your Universal Credit advance request is denied, you can:
- Ask for a reconsideration if you believe there was an error.
- Apply for alternative financial assistance (e.g., Budgeting Loans or local council support).
How does a Universal Credit advance affect my future payments?
Since the advance is repaid through deductions, your future Universal Credit payments will be reduced until the loan is fully repaid.
