You may be able to get an advance on your first benefit payment if you’re in urgent financial need. You usually pay it back through your benefits. You do not have to pay interest. This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) . You can ask for an advance if you’ve recently applied for: Universal Credit Jobseeker’s Allowance ( JSA ) Employment and Support Allowance ( ESA ) Carer’s Allowance Pension Credit State Pension You’ll be told when you’ll be paid and how much. You’ll usually be paid on the same day or the next working day. It’ll be paid into your bank or Post Office account.

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) Find out about call charges . 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.

Get an advance on your first benefit payment

Overview

You may be able to get an advance on your first benefit payment if you’re in urgent financial need.

You usually pay it back through your benefits. You do not have to pay interest.

This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You can ask for an advance if you’ve recently applied for:

Universal Credit
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Carer’s Allowance
Pension Credit
State Pension

You’ll be told when you’ll be paid and how much. You’ll usually be paid on the same day or the next working day. It’ll be paid into your bank or Post Office account.

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Get an advance on your first benefit payment

Overview

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Get an advance on your first benefit payment

Overview

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