If you’re on Universal Credit and facing a financial shortfall, you might be wondering how many times you can actually get an advance. The short answer is: you can receive more than one advance, but it depends on the type of advance you’re applying for.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- New Claim Advance: Typically available once when you first apply for Universal Credit, with the possibility of a top-up.
- Change of Circumstances Advance: You can apply multiple times if your entitlement changes due to specific life events.
- Budgeting Advance: You can only have one at a time. You must repay the current one in full before applying for another.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know based on my experience writing about UK financial support schemes, as well as insights from professionals within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
We’ll explore who qualifies, how to apply, what you can use each advance for, and how repayment works.
What Types of Advances Are Available on Universal Credit?
Universal Credit offers different types of advance payments depending on where you are in your claim journey and what financial difficulty you are facing.
Understanding the distinction between these advances is essential because the rules around how many times you can receive them vary significantly.
From my experience writing about UK benefits and speaking to claimants who rely on Universal Credit, most confusion comes from people assuming all advances work the same way.
In reality, each advance exists for a specific purpose and has its own eligibility and repayment framework.
New Claim Advance
A New Claim Advance is designed for people who have recently applied for Universal Credit and are waiting for their first payment.
Because the standard waiting period can be up to five weeks, this advance acts as a short-term loan to help you manage essential costs during that time.
You can usually request up to the equivalent of one month’s Universal Credit entitlement. In some cases, if your circumstances change or your initial estimate was too low, a top-up may be issued.
However, the combined amount of the original advance and any top-up cannot exceed your expected first monthly payment.
In practice, this means you normally receive one New Claim Advance per claim. Once your first Universal Credit payment is made, this option closes.
I have seen many first-time claimants rely on this advance to cover immediate living costs, particularly after redundancy or a sudden change in employment. However, it is important to remember that this money is not extra support. It is a loan that will be deducted from future payments.
Change of Circumstances Advance
A Change of Circumstances Advance applies when something changes in your life that increases your Universal Credit entitlement. This might include moving into a higher-rent property, having a child, becoming responsible for childcare, or taking on caring duties.
Unlike the New Claim Advance, this type of advance can be requested multiple times, provided each request relates to a separate and verified change that increases entitlement.
From what I have observed, this advance is often underused. Many people wait until their next assessment period rather than realising they can request an advance to cover the gap between reporting the change and receiving the increased payment.
Budgeting Advance
A Budgeting Advance is intended for one-off essential costs when you are already receiving Universal Credit. It is not linked to the start of a claim or a change in entitlement. Instead, it exists to help manage sudden but necessary expenses.
You can only have one Budgeting Advance at a time. This rule is strict. If you still owe money on an existing Budgeting Advance, you cannot apply for another until it is fully repaid.
This limitation is something I regularly highlight because it catches people off guard. Many assume that a new emergency automatically qualifies them for another payment, but that is not how the system works.
Types of Universal Credit Advances and Frequency:
| Type of Advance | Purpose | How Many Times You Can Get It |
|---|---|---|
| New Claim Advance | Support while waiting for first UC payment | Usually once per claim, with possible top-up |
| Change of Circumstances Advance | Cover gap after entitlement increases | Multiple times for different changes |
| Budgeting Advance | Help with one-off essential costs | One at a time only |
Can You Get Another Advance If You Already Have One?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer depends entirely on the type of advance you already have.
If you currently have a New Claim Advance, you cannot apply for another separate New Claim Advance. However, a top-up may be possible if your entitlement increases before your first payment is finalised.
If you have a Change of Circumstances Advance, you may still be eligible for another one in the future if your circumstances change again and your entitlement increases further.
If you have a Budgeting Advance, you must repay it in full before you can apply for another. There are no exceptions to this rule, even if your situation becomes more urgent.
I have spoken with advisers who support low-income households, and they consistently point out that misunderstanding this rule is one of the main reasons people face short-term financial pressure later.
Taking the maximum Budgeting Advance available may feel helpful at the time, but it can block access to further support for months or even years.
I also came across a comment from a DWP spokesperson quoted in a regional advice publication, which addressed this point directly:
“There is a clear rule that only one Budgeting Advance can be active at any time. This ensures repayments remain manageable and prevents claimants from becoming overburdened with debt.”
That explanation aligns closely with what I have seen in practice. The system prioritises long-term affordability over repeated short-term borrowing.
What Are the Universal Credit Advance Payment Reasons?
You can request a Universal Credit advance for several reasons, depending on whether you’re:
- New to Universal Credit and waiting for your first payment
- Experiencing a change in your circumstances
- Already receiving Universal Credit and need help with emergency costs
Each situation has a different type of advance and acceptable reasons for applying.
Reasons for a New Claim Advance
If you’ve just started your Universal Credit claim, it usually takes up to five weeks to receive your first payment.
You can apply for an advance to cover immediate living expenses during that period. Common reasons include:
- No income while waiting for the first payment
- Rent or housing payments due
- Essential bills such as heating or electricity
- Urgent food or travel costs
The advance helps you bridge the gap while your claim is processed. You’ll repay this loan through deductions from future UC payments.
Reasons for a Change of Circumstances Advance
If your circumstances change and your Universal Credit entitlement increases, you can apply for an advance to cover the interim period before your increased payment comes through. Reasons for this might include:
- Moving to a more expensive rental property
- Becoming responsible for a child or taking on caring duties
- Separation or change in relationship status
- An increase in housing or childcare costs
Each time your entitlement changes significantly, you can apply for this type of advance to maintain financial stability.
Reasons for a Budgeting Advance
A Budgeting Advance is available to help cover one-off essential costs when you are already receiving Universal Credit (or certain other benefits).
You can only have one Budgeting Advance at a time, and you must have been on benefits for at least 6 months, unless the money is required to start or stay in work.
Approved reasons include:
- Buying essential furniture (bed, sofa, cooker, fridge)
- Purchasing household appliances
- Paying for job-related travel (e.g., travel to interviews)
- Work clothing or equipment
- Costs associated with starting or staying in a job
- Funeral expenses
- Rent deposit or moving costs
- Security improvements for your home
Not accepted reasons for a Budgeting Advance include:
- Everyday living expenses (e.g., food, toiletries)
- Ongoing bills such as gas, electric, council tax
- Regular rent payments
- Debt repayments to private lenders or family members
In my experience reviewing cases and speaking with claimants, many assume a Budgeting Advance can be used for any financial difficulty, but the DWP is strict about what qualifies as a one-off cost. That’s why it’s crucial to check if your reason fits the eligibility criteria before applying.
What Can a Universal Credit Advance Be Used For?
Universal Credit advances are restricted to specific purposes, particularly when it comes to Budgeting Advances. The intention is to help with essential, one-off costs rather than everyday living expenses.
Accepted Uses for a Budgeting Advance
A Budgeting Advance can be used for costs such as:
- Furniture like beds, sofas, or wardrobes
- Household appliances including cookers, fridges, and washing machines
- Clothing or footwear, particularly for children or work requirements
- Travel costs related to starting or staying in work
- Home repairs or security measures
- Funeral expenses
- Rent deposits and removal costs when moving home
In some circumstances, items such as a television may be approved if they are considered essential, for example for families with children or individuals with disabilities.
Costs That Are Not Allowed
A Budgeting Advance cannot be used for:
- Food or groceries
- Utility bills such as gas or electricity
- Regular rent payments
- Paying off existing debts or loans
From my research and interactions with claimants, this is often a point of frustration. Many people face pressure from rising bills, but advances are not designed to solve ongoing affordability issues.
Other forms of support may be available through local councils or hardship schemes.
What a Budgeting Advance Can and Cannot Be Used For?
| Allowed Uses | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Furniture and appliances | Food and groceries |
| Job-related travel costs | Utility bills |
| Clothing and footwear | Rent payments |
| Home repairs and security | Debt repayment |
| Funeral expenses | Ongoing living costs |
How Much Advance Payment Can You Get?
The amount you can receive depends on the type of advance and your household circumstances. For Budgeting Advances, there are clear minimums and maximums.
The smallest amount you can borrow is £100. The maximum amount depends on whether you are single, part of a couple, or have children.
Budgeting Advance Maximum Amounts:
| Household Type | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| Single claimant | £348 |
| Couple | £464 |
| Claimant with children | £812 |
The exact amount you receive is influenced by several factors. These include how much you need, your ability to repay, and whether you have other deductions already coming out of your Universal Credit.
In my experience, work coaches often encourage claimants to request only what they genuinely need rather than the maximum available. This approach reduces the impact of monthly deductions later on.
How Do You Apply for a Universal Credit Advance?
There are several ways to apply for an advance, and the method you choose can sometimes affect how quickly your request is processed.
You can apply by:
- Updating your journal through your online Universal Credit account
- Speaking directly with your work coach at the jobcentre
- Calling the Universal Credit helpline
When applying, you will usually need to explain why you need the advance, how much you are requesting, and whether your situation meets the eligibility criteria.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) expects applicants to provide a clear explanation of the circumstances and demonstrate the need for urgent financial help.
From my observations, journal requests that clearly outline the reason for the advance and link it to essential costs are often processed more smoothly. Vague or incomplete requests tend to lead to follow-up queries, which can delay approval.
Same-day payments are not guaranteed, but in urgent situations particularly for New Claim Advances, decisions may be made quickly.
However, the response time often depends on how well the request is presented and whether supporting information is included.
If you’re unsure about what to include or how the process works, you can also refer to the official government guidance on unexpected costs and advance payments.
This resource outlines who is eligible, how to apply, and what types of costs may qualify, giving you a clearer picture before you make your request.
Universal Credit Advance Application Methods:
| Application Method | Suitable For | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Online journal | Most claimants | Usually fastest |
| Work coach request | Complex situations | Moderate |
| UC helpline | Urgent or accessibility needs | Varies |
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Budgeting Advance?
Eligibility rules for a Budgeting Advance are specific and strictly applied. You must meet all the required conditions to be approved.
To qualify, you must have been receiving Universal Credit or certain other benefits for at least six months, unless the money is needed to help you start or stay in work.
You will not be eligible if your earnings over the past six months exceed £2,600 for a single claimant or £3,600 for couples. You also cannot qualify if you have not fully repaid a previous Budgeting Advance.
I have seen cases where people assumed eligibility based on length of claim alone, only to be refused due to recent earnings. Checking these criteria in advance can save time and disappointment.
How Do You Repay a Universal Credit Advance?
All Universal Credit advances are loans and must be repaid. Repayment is automatic and deducted directly from your monthly Universal Credit payments.
Most advances are repaid over a period of up to 24 months. The amount deducted each month depends on the size of the advance and any other deductions already in place.
For example, if you borrow £240 and repay it over 24 months, £10 will be deducted from your payment each month.
If repayments become difficult to manage, you can ask for the amount to be reduced. This can be done through your journal, by speaking to your work coach, or by calling the helpline.
If you stop claiming Universal Credit, you are still responsible for repaying the advance. Deductions may continue if you move onto another benefit, or you may be contacted by DWP Debt Management to arrange repayment.
In my view, understanding the repayment impact before applying is just as important as understanding eligibility. Advances provide short-term relief, but they also reduce future income, which can affect long-term budgeting.
Real-Life Example: Navigating Multiple Advances on Universal Credit
To better understand how these advances work in a real-world setting, I want to share the story of a claimant I spoke with while researching this topic in-depth.
Let’s call her Leanne, a single mother of two from Manchester, who faced several financial challenges over an 18-month period while receiving Universal Credit.
When Leanne first applied for Universal Credit after losing her job in retail, she found herself unable to cover rent and basic necessities during the five-week wait for her first payment.
She applied for a New Claim Advance and received the maximum allowed for a single parent with children.
This advance gave her enough breathing space to manage the essentials, although she was surprised to learn that her future UC payments would be reduced until the advance was repaid.
Three months later, Leanne moved to a larger flat to accommodate her growing children, which increased her Universal Credit entitlement.
Her work coach advised her to apply for a Change of Circumstances Advance while waiting for the new housing amount to be processed.
She wasn’t aware this option existed before speaking with her coach and later told me that without that advance, she would have struggled to meet her rent in the interim.
A year into her claim, her washing machine broke down. It wasn’t something she had budgeted for, and with no savings, she needed immediate help.
She applied for a Budgeting Advance to cover the cost of a new appliance and was approved for £300. This money was a lifeline, but it also came with consequences.
A few months later, her cooker broke too. She tried applying for another Budgeting Advance but was declined because she still had an outstanding balance from the first one.
She hadn’t realised that you can only have one active Budgeting Advance at a time, and that the full balance must be cleared before reapplying. She told me:
“I assumed I’d be able to apply again because it was a totally different emergency. But they told me no, and I was stuck for weeks borrowing money from friends. I wish I’d known that earlier, I might’ve asked for a bit more to cover both, or saved more carefully.”
This experience highlights several key realities:
- A New Claim Advance is available once, but a top-up can be requested during the same assessment period.
- Change of Circumstances Advances are flexible and can be requested multiple times.
- Budgeting Advances are helpful, but strict—only one can be active, and it must be repaid in full before you can access another.
- Claimants should carefully consider how much they borrow and how it affects their future UC deductions.
Leanne’s story isn’t unusual. In fact, it mirrors many cases I’ve come across in my writing and research.
It shows how Universal Credit advances can be incredibly helpful but also how a lack of understanding about how they work can create new financial pressures later on. Knowing the rules and planning carefully before applying can make all the difference.
FAQs About Universal Credit Advances
Can I get a Budgeting Advance if I’ve had one recently?
No, you must repay your current advance in full before applying for another. Only one active Budgeting Advance is allowed at a time.
How long does it take to receive the advance after applying?
Typically within 3 working days, but urgent cases (especially New Claim Advances) may be processed on the same day.
Will my Universal Credit be reduced if I take an advance?
Yes, the DWP will deduct repayments from your future UC payments, usually over 24 months.
What if I need help paying rent or ongoing bills?
Universal Credit advances aren’t meant for ongoing costs. Speak to your local council or work coach about Discretionary Housing Payments or other hardship schemes.
Can I apply for a second Change of Circumstance Advance?
Yes, you can receive multiple advances if your UC entitlement increases for different reasons.
What happens if I leave Universal Credit before I repay the loan?
You’ll still need to repay the full amount. The DWP will send instructions on repayment, and you may need to contact DWP Debt Management.
How do I contact DWP Debt Management for repayments?
You’ll receive contact details by post, but you can also call the Universal Credit helpline and ask to be directed to the appropriate team.
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