An interest-free government loan from the Social Fund to help people receiving legacy benefits pay for essential household goods, clothing, advance rent, or travel costs.
Emergency & Hardship
Interest-free loan: Up to £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.
Apply online at GOV.UK or download and post form SF500.
State the required amount and the essential purpose of the loan (e.g. washing machine, furniture, emergency moving costs).
Repayments are agreed upfront and deducted automatically from your regular weekly benefit payments over up to 104 weeks.
A Budgeting Loan is interest-free and does not count as income for local Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit calculations.
An interest-free loan for Universal Credit claimants to cover emergency household expenses, job hunting costs, or essential equipment.
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 Pensioners & Older AdultsA tax-free, means-tested benefit that tops up weekly income for state pension age residents and unlocks multiple extra cost-of-living perks.
View guide