Change in circumstances universal credit

kangaroorampage4

I received my universal credit payment yesterday and have moved to London for work last night. I wanted to know if there was any way to apply for an advance. I have claimed a new claim advance and a budgeting advance and repay £86 per month. I am single and over 25. I have moved to London, my rent now is £800. Is there any way I could request a further advance based on a change in circumstances as I will not be paid for my new job till the start of July and I have rent arrears for where I used to live. I really need money for rent and food. I have £200 and need another £800 to survive till the end of the month as will have to go to new work place for training and the tube is very expensive.

poppy12345

If you are still paying back the budgeting advance then you won't be able to have another one until that's paid back, even with a change of circumstances.

You do need to report the change now you've moved. If you're privately renting then you can check the LHA rate for your area here. As you're under 35 then you will only be entitled to the shared room rate, unless you're claiming a disability benefit like PIP or DLA.

https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

kangaroorampage4

This link says that if you have a change in circumstance that like an increase in rent or change in address you are entitled to an advance.

On another site I saw that your advances can only total a maximum repayment of £122 per month. As I pay £86/month would I be entitled to 122-86 = 36. £36*12 = £432

kangaroorampage4

I can’t  post links as an new to posting on the forum

poppy12345

kangaroorampage4 said:

This link says that if you have a change in circumstance that like an increase in rent or change in address you are entitled to an advance.

Yes but if you are already paying an advance payment back then you can't have another.

fade2gray

@kangaroorampage4 You could ask UC to have the payment for your advance deferred.

How the advance is repaid

Deductions are made from your monthly Universal Credit payment. The first deduction is made on the day you get your first payment and you’ll have up to 12 months to pay back the advance.

You can ask for your repayments to be delayed for up to 3 months if you can’t afford them. This is only allowed in exceptional circumstances.

gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances#how-the-advance-is-repaid

When I requested an advance after running into financial difficulties during a bad transition between ESA and UC, I was offered a 3-month deferral of repayments, but before I could answer I was asked if a 6-month deferral would be better - I accepted of course - try your luck.

poppy12345

fade2gray said:

@kangaroorampage4 You could ask UC to have the payment for your advance deferred.

How the advance is repaid

Deductions are made from your monthly Universal Credit payment. The first deduction is made on the day you get your first payment and you’ll have up to 12 months to pay back the advance.

You can ask for your repayments to be delayed for up to 3 months if you can’t afford them. This is only allowed in exceptional circumstances.

gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-advances#how-the-advance-is-repaid

When I requested an advance after running into financial difficulties during a bad transition between ESA and UC, I was offered a 3-month deferral of repayments, but before I could answer I was asked if a 6-month deferral would be better - I accepted of course - try your luck.

Of course that won't help the OP have another advance payment.

huckster

Ask your employers for advance of wages.  
If the employers were so keen to employ you, with you moving from another part of the country during Coronavirus lockdown measures, then I expect they will help you, with a monthly Oyster/travel card.

sammyjammy

Why will you not be paid until July?  That seems very unusual?

huckster

What type of job is this ?
Given the coronavirus lockdown issues and the precarious nature of new employments, seems like a decision made in hurry, when the employers are not paying any wages until July.  

fade2gray

poppy12345 said:

Of course that won't help the OP have another advance payment.

Other than stating the obvious, are you inferring that other suggestions are inappropriate?