Universal Credit
Get an advance or other financial support
If you need help to pay your bills or cover other costs, you might be able to apply for an advance, hardship payment or other financial support.
You can also check what other benefits you can get. You might be able to get .
Applying for an advance or hardship payment
You鈥檒l need to check which type of advance you鈥檙e eligible for.聽
How much you can get depends on your circumstances and what you need the advance for.
The types you can get include:
- an advance on your first payment
- a hardship payment if your payment is stopped or reduced
- an advance for unexpected costs
- help with job expenses
- an advance if your circumstances have changed
You must usually pay this back through your future Universal Credit payments.
Get help with upfront childcare costs聽
If you鈥檙e starting work or increasing your hours, you might also be able to get help to pay the upfront costs.
How to change your monthly Universal Credit
If you鈥檙e having financial difficulties or you鈥檙e behind on your rent, you can ask to change the way your Universal Credit is paid.
You or your landlord may be able to apply for an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA).
Advice on money and debt
If you need help to manage your budget or bills, you can get free advice.
You can get help to take care of your living costs including support with your utility bills, housing costs or NHS prescriptions.