An interest-free advance on your Universal Credit to help with one-off costs such as furniture, appliances or a rent deposit.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Universal Credit Budgeting Advance offers
- Interest-free: You repay only what you borrow.
- One-off costs: Covers things like a cooker, washing machine, clothes or a rent deposit.
- Quick application: You can apply through your online journal.
- Help for work: Can help with costs of starting a new job.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | People getting Universal Credit, ESA or Pension Credit for 6 months or more, or who need help to start or stay in work |
| How much | From £100 up to £348 (single), £464 (couple) or £812 (with children) |
| Repayment | Repaid from future Universal Credit payments, usually over 24 months |
| How to claim | Through your Universal Credit journal, your work coach or the helpline |
Key points
Interest-free: You repay only what you borrow.
One-off costs: Covers things like a cooker, washing machine, clothes or a rent deposit.
Quick application: You can apply through your online journal.
About Department for Work and Pensions
Universal Credit Budgeting Advance is run by Department for Work and Pensions. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by Department for Work and Pensions.