Can I Get an Advance on My First Benefit Payment?

Are you a benefits claimant in financial need (e.g. cannot afford to wait for the first installment)? If so, you may qualify for an advance on your first benefit payment.

The advance benefit payment is for people who have already made a first time application, but are struggling to wait for the first payment.

In most cases, you would need to pay back the advance payment through the money you receive from your welfare benefits. However, you would not have to pay back any interest on the amount you get ahead of time.

If you recently applied for any of the following benefits you will be able to ask for an advance payment:

The benefits office will inform you as to when you would get the money and how much you would receive. It is often a same day payment (or the next working day) and the money would go straight into your bank or Post Office account.

Note: Information on how to get an advance on your first benefit payment is also available in Welsh language (Cymraeg) via the GOV.UK website.

How to Apply for a Benefit Advance?

The first step is to call the correct telephone number that relates to the benefit that you have claimed for (see the contact details below).

During the phone call, the adviser is going to ask about your household circumstances and how much you want to borrow.

Income support, ESA, or JSA
Telephone: 0800 169 0310
Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
Textphone: 0800 169 0314
Relay UK (NGT text relay if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0310
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Carer’s Allowance
Telephone: 0800 731 0297
Welsh language: 0800 731 0297
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
NGT text relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0297
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Pension Credit or State Pension
Telephone: 0800 731 0469
Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
Textphone: 0800 731 0464
NGT text relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0469
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm

Note: The process differs if you need help to pay your bills or cover other costs while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment.

What if You Cannot Afford to Use a Phone?

You can also go to your local Jobcentre Plus branch and ask them to use their telephone. This would be helpful if you are struggling to cover the costs of making the phone call.

What if you cannot speak on the telephone? If this is the case, you can ask a Jobcentre Plus adviser to assess you and then make the application on your behalf.

Note: The UK Rules (or GOV.UK) has more information about phone call charges.

Can I Get Another Benefit Advance?

You can ask for another advance payment immediately after getting the first one (or being turned down for it).

But, you would be unlikely to get another benefit advance unless you can show that your circumstances have changed. As a rule, this would mean you have found yourself needing more money than you had previously thought.

Paying Back a Benefit Advance

You will get more information about how to pay back the advance when you speak to the adviser at Jobcentre Plus.

In general, they will take a small amount from each of your future benefit payments to cover the upfront payment (until you have paid off what you owe).

Note: Another section explains more about how and when your benefits are paid.

How to Get a Decision Reconsidered

There are steps you can take if you are unhappy about the decision to grant you an advance benefit payment. For example, you can ask the adviser to reconsider their decision at the time they give you the conclusion.

Are you a benefits claimant in financial need? Find out how to ask for an advance on your first benefit payment, how much you can get, and when it's paid. Click To Tweet

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *