Can I Get My Monthly Universal Credit Payment Early?

Universal Credit is a crucial financial support system for millions in the UK, but managing expenses before the next payment date can be challenging.

Many claimants wonder: Can I get my monthly Universal Credit payment early?

While Universal Credit follows a strict payment schedule, there are options for those in urgent financial need.

Advance payments, hardship payments, and budgeting advances can provide short-term relief. This guide explains how these options work, who qualifies, and how to apply.

How Does the Universal Credit Payment Schedule Work?

Universal Credit payments follow a strict monthly schedule, ensuring that claimants receive financial support on a regular basis.

However, understanding how the system works can help claimants plan their finances more effectively.

Payment Frequency and Structure

• Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears. This means the payment covers the previous month’s living costs rather than the upcoming month.
• The exact payment date depends on the date a claimant first applied for Universal Credit. This date becomes fixed for all future payments.

Example:

If someone applies for Universal Credit on the 10th of a month, their payment date will be the 10th of each following month.

• Payments are typically processed seven days before the due date to ensure funds reach the claimant on time.
• If the payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, it is usually issued on the previous working day.

Initial Waiting Period for New Claims

When a person first applies for Universal Credit, they must wait five weeks before receiving their first full payment.

This period consists of:

• One month of assessment to determine the correct entitlement.
• An additional seven days for processing and payment.

Alternative Payment Arrangements

For those struggling to manage a single monthly payment, alternative options may be available:

• Twice-Monthly Payments – Claimants can request to split their payment into two smaller instalments.
• Direct Rent Payments – In some cases, rent can be paid directly to landlords instead of being included in the claimant’s Universal Credit payment.

While Universal Credit follows a structured payment system, claimants facing urgent financial difficulties may be eligible for advance payments or hardship support.

Can I Get My Monthly Universal Credit Payment Early?

Universal Credit payments cannot normally be made early because they are processed according to a fixed monthly schedule.

However, there are specific circumstances where claimants may be able to access financial support ahead of their regular payment date.

When Might Early Payments Be Possible?

• Advance Payments for New Claims: New claimants waiting for their first payment can apply for an advance payment to help cover immediate costs.
• Emergency Situations: If a claimant faces a financial crisis (e.g., risk of eviction, food insecurity), they can apply for hardship support or a budgeting advance.
• Banking Delays or Errors: If there is a banking system failure or administrative error, the DWP may process an early payment to prevent financial distress.
• Christmas and Bank Holiday Adjustments: During the Christmas period, some Universal Credit payments may be issued earlier due to bank holiday closures.

What Are the Alternatives If I Can’t Get an Early Payment?

If a claimant cannot receive an early payment, they can consider:

• Applying for an advance payment (explained below).
• Seeking help from local welfare assistance schemes.
• Contacting their local council for emergency support.

While Universal Credit itself is not routinely paid early, the system does provide options for those in urgent financial need.

What Is a Universal Credit Advance Payment?

A Universal Credit advance payment is a temporary loan designed to help claimants who are struggling financially before their next scheduled Universal Credit payment.

This advance allows claimants to access a portion of their future benefits early, helping cover urgent expenses.

Who Can Apply for an Advance Payment?

Claimants may be eligible for an advance payment if:

• They are waiting for their first Universal Credit payment and need money for essential expenses.
• They have an unexpected financial emergency before their next payment date.
• They can demonstrate financial hardship, such as an inability to pay rent, buy food, or cover essential bills.

How Much Can You Request?

• Claimants can request up to one full month’s worth of Universal Credit.
• They can choose to borrow less than their full entitlement and apply for a second advance later if needed.
• The total of all advance payments cannot exceed one month’s entitlement.

Example:

Liam’s monthly Universal Credit entitlement is £700.

• He initially requests £300 to cover urgent expenses.
• Later, he realises he needs more help and applies for a second advance of £400.
• The total of both advances equals £700, so he cannot borrow more.

How Long Does It Take to Receive an Advance?

• Most claimants receive a decision on the same day they apply.
• If approved, the payment is deposited within three working days.
• In urgent cases, the DWP may issue funds on the same day (excluding Sundays and bank holidays).

How to Apply for an Advance Payment?

Claimants can apply for an advance payment by:

• Speaking to their work coach at their Universal Credit interview.
• Applying through their online Universal Credit account.
• Calling the Universal Credit helpline.

Important: Claimants must complete their first Universal Credit interview before requesting an advance payment.

How Is a Universal Credit Advance Repaid?

Because a Universal Credit advance is a loan, it must be repaid through deductions from future Universal Credit payments.

Repayment Process

• Repayments begin on the date of the claimant’s first full Universal Credit payment.
• The DWP deducts a fixed amount from each monthly payment until the advance is fully repaid.

Repayment Timeframes

The time given to repay the advance depends on when it was taken:

• 24 months – For advances taken on or after 12 April 2021 (for new Universal Credit claims).
• 12 months – For advances taken before 12 April 2021.
• 6 months – For advances due to a change in circumstances.

Can Repayments Be Delayed?

In exceptional cases, claimants who are struggling financially can request a temporary delay on their repayments:

• A three-month delay for advances taken due to a new claim.
• A one-month delay for advances taken due to a change in circumstances.

What Happens If I Cannot Repay the Advance?

If a claimant is unable to afford their repayments:

• They should contact the DWP Debt Management team to discuss alternative arrangements.
• The DWP may reduce the repayment amount or extend the repayment period in extreme hardship cases.

Important Considerations Before Taking an Advance

• Because advance payments are deducted from future benefits, monthly Universal Credit payments will be lower until the advance is fully repaid.
• Claimants should carefully budget for rent and essential costs to ensure they can manage lower future payments.

What Happens If an Advance Payment Is Refused?

Not all requests for an advance payment are approved. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may refuse an application based on a claimant’s financial situation, eligibility criteria, or incomplete documentation.

Understanding the reasons behind a refusal can help claimants decide on their next steps and explore alternative support options.

Common Reasons for Advance Payment Refusal

Identity Verification Not Completed

• • Before an advance payment can be approved, the claimant must complete their identity check at the Jobcentre.
  • If the claimant has not attended their Universal Credit interview or provided the required documents, their request may be denied.

Sufficient Funds Already Available

• • The DWP may assess whether a claimant has enough money to last until their next Universal Credit payment.
  • This includes checking for savings, recent earnings, redundancy payments, or financial support from family members.

Living Arrangements Provide Financial Support

• • If a claimant lives with parents, relatives, or friends who provide financial assistance, the DWP may determine that they do not need an advance.

Previous Earnings or Redundancy Pay

• • If a claimant has recently received a final wage payment, redundancy pay, or another form of compensation, the DWP may refuse an advance on the basis that they have enough money to cover their immediate expenses.

Existing Savings or Accessible Financial Resources

• • Claimants with savings or access to other financial resources may be denied an advance payment.
  • The DWP considers whether the claimant has immediate access to funds that could support them until their next scheduled Universal Credit payment.

What to Do If an Advance Payment Is Refused?

Request a Reconsideration

• • While there is no formal appeal process for advance payment refusals, claimants can ask for a reconsideration.
  • This involves explaining why the initial decision may have been incorrect and providing additional information about financial hardship.

Provide Additional Evidence

• • If the refusal was due to incomplete information, claimants can submit further evidence of financial hardship, such as outstanding rent arrears, utility bills, or other urgent expenses.

Speak to a Work Coach

• • Work coaches at the Jobcentre can provide guidance on other financial support options available to claimants.
  • They may also help assess whether a claimant qualifies for a budgeting advance or hardship payment.

Explore Alternative Support Options

• • If an advance payment is not available, claimants can consider other sources of financial assistance, such as local welfare schemes, hardship grants, or food banks.

What Are the Alternatives to an Advance Payment?

If a claimant is unable to secure an advance payment, there are several alternative financial support options available.

These include hardship payments, budgeting advances, and local council assistance schemes, each designed to provide temporary relief during financial difficulties.

Hardship Payments

A hardship payment is a reduced-rate Universal Credit payment that may be available to claimants who are struggling financially, particularly if their Universal Credit has been sanctioned.

Unlike advance payments, hardship payments are not available to all claimants and are typically offered under specific circumstances.

Eligibility for Hardship Payments

• The claimant must be experiencing financial difficulty due to a sanction or deduction from their Universal Credit.
• The claimant must demonstrate that they are unable to afford essential expenses, such as food, rent, and heating.
• The claimant must show that they have taken steps to reduce their financial difficulties, such as seeking budgeting advice or applying for additional support.

How Hardship Payments Work?

• Hardship payments are usually repayable, meaning they will be deducted from future Universal Credit payments once the claimant’s situation improves.
• The amount provided varies depending on individual circumstances and the level of financial hardship.

Budgeting Advances

A budgeting advance is a short-term loan designed to help Universal Credit claimants cover one-off essential expenses. It is similar to an advance payment but is meant for specific financial needs rather than general living costs.

Who Can Apply for a Budgeting Advance?

To qualify for a budgeting advance, claimants must:

• Have been receiving Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Pension Credit for at least six months (unless the advance is needed to start a new job).
• Not have savings over £1,000 (single claimants) or £1,500 (couples).
• Show that they need financial assistance for an essential expense, such as:
  • Replacing a broken fridge, cooker, or washing machine.
  • Paying for moving costs when relocating to a new home.
  • Covering funeral expenses or emergency travel costs.
  • Assisting with work-related costs, such as uniforms or tools.

How Much Can Be Borrowed?

The amount a claimant can receive depends on their circumstances. The maximum budgeting advance amounts are:

• Single claimants – Up to £348.
• Couples – Up to £464.
• Families with children – Up to £812.

In some cases, claimants may be able to borrow up to 100% of their estimated Universal Credit payment, depending on their situation and financial need.

Repayment Terms for Budgeting Advances

• The loan must be repaid within 12 months.
• Repayments are deducted automatically from future Universal Credit payments.
• If the claimant stops receiving Universal Credit, the outstanding balance must be repaid through other means, such as:
  • Wages if they start working.
  • Deductions from other benefits they may be receiving.

Because budgeting advance repayments come from future Universal Credit payments, claimants should carefully consider whether they can afford reduced monthly benefits over the next year before applying.

Conclusion

While Universal Credit payments follow a fixed schedule, financial difficulties can arise unexpectedly. Although monthly Universal Credit payments cannot be paid early, claimants facing financial hardship have several options to access financial support.

For those awaiting their first payment or struggling before their next scheduled payment, an advance payment may be available.

However, since it must be repaid through future deductions, claimants should carefully consider the impact on their future Universal Credit payments.

If an advance payment is denied, alternatives such as hardship payments, budgeting advances, and local welfare assistance schemes can provide temporary relief.

Each option has its own eligibility criteria and repayment terms, so claimants should explore the best solution for their situation.

Managing finances while on Universal Credit can be challenging, but seeking budgeting advice, exploring additional benefits, and reaching out to local support organisations can help.

Those experiencing financial difficulties should contact Citizens Advice, their work coach, or the Universal Credit helpline to find the most suitable support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I request an early Universal Credit payment every month?

No, Universal Credit follows a fixed monthly schedule, and early payments are not routinely allowed.

However, claimants experiencing financial hardship can apply for an advance payment, which is a loan that must be repaid through deductions from future Universal Credit payments.

How long does it take to receive an advance payment?

If approved, most advance payments are deposited within three working days.

In urgent cases, such as if a claimant has no money for food or rent, the DWP may issue the payment on the same day (excluding Sundays and bank holidays).

What should I do if my advance payment request is denied?

If an advance payment is refused, claimants can:

• Request a reconsideration by providing additional evidence of financial hardship.
• Speak to their work coach about alternative support options.
• Apply for a budgeting advance for one-time essential expenses.
• Seek help from local council welfare schemes or charities.

How much can I borrow with a budgeting advance?

The maximum budgeting advance depends on individual circumstances:

• Up to £348 for single claimants.
• Up to £464 for couples.
• Up to £812 for families with children.
  Claimants may be able to borrow up to 100% of their estimated Universal Credit entitlement, but the total amount must be repaid within 12 months.

Will taking an advance payment or budgeting advance affect my credit score?

No, Universal Credit advances and budgeting advances do not appear on credit reports and do not affect credit scores.

However, since repayments are deducted from future Universal Credit payments, claimants should plan their finances carefully to avoid financial strain.