Get an advance on your first benefit payment
How to apply
There’s separate guidance if you’ve applied for Universal Credit and need an advance.
Call the right phone number for the benefit you’re claiming. You must tell the adviser about your circumstances and how much you think you need to borrow.
ESA or JSA
Telephone: 0800 169 0310
Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
Textphone: 0800 169 0314
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0310
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Carer’s Allowance
Telephone: 0800 731 0297
Welsh language: 0800 731 0297
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0297
Monday, 8.45am to 2pm
Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 2pm
Pension Credit or State Pension
Telephone: 0800 731 0469
Welsh language: 0800 731 0453
Textphone: 0800 731 0464
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0469
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (except public holidays)
If you cannot use the phone
You can ask to use the phone in your local Jobcentre Plus if you cannot afford to make a phone call.
Ask a Jobcentre Plus adviser to assess you and apply on your behalf if you’re unable to speak on the phone.
Getting another advance
You might be able to ask for another advance straight after getting one or being turned down. You can only do this if you can show that your circumstances have changed, meaning you need more money than you previously thought.
Paying it back
The adviser will tell you how to pay back the advance. Usually a little will be taken from each of your benefit payments until it’s paid back. You do not have to pay interest on it.
If you’re not happy with a decision
You can ask for a decision to be reconsidered if you’re not happy with it. Say this when you’re told the decision.