An interest-free loan for Universal Credit claimants to cover emergency household expenses, job hunting costs, or essential equipment.
Emergency & Low Income
Interest-free loan: £348 (Single), £464 (Couples), £812 (With children)
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Tick off each condition below. You'll usually need to meet all of them to qualify.
Request a Budgeting Advance via your online Universal Credit journal or call the UC helpline.
Explain what the money is for (e.g. buying a washing machine, work clothes, home repairs).
If approved, repayments are automatically deducted from your future monthly Universal Credit payments over up to 24 months.
If a Budgeting Advance is unavailable or insufficient, your local council can provide non-repayable grants or emergency food/fuel vouchers through the Household Support Fund.
The main monthly payment for people of working age who are on a low income, out of work, or unable to work due to health conditions.
View guide Emergency & Local GrantsDiscretionary grant funding allocated by central government and distributed directly by local councils to help vulnerable households with food, energy bills, and essential living costs.
View guide Housing & RentEmergency financial help from your local council if your current benefits do not cover your full rent.
View guide