Universal credit advance help

Bongodom

Hello, I have been furloughed from work, and It was suggested to me that I apply for universal credit, so I did this, upon applying I was offered a advance and I thought great, so I took the advance as I was really struggling to pay my rent, bills and feed myself. My universal credit application has now been refused as they said I earn to much and I'm not entitled to anything. But will I get Into trouble because I took the advance? I'm fully prepared to set a repayment plan with them once I've returned to work in 3 weeks. 

[Deleted User]

 You did tell them how much you are getting furlough not what you usually get? 

 No you wont get in trouble but do have to pay it back x 

Bongodom

Thank you very much for your reply shel, yes I told them my income which I'm now receiving whilst I'm furloughed and when they came to a desicion which took them 5 weeks, they said my entitlement is 0.00, I'm more than happy to make a arrangement with them to pay back the advance, I was just worried that I might have gotten into trouble. I've never dealt with the benefits system before so I hadn't a clue. Thanks again x

poppy12345

The advance they offer you is based on your maximum UC entitlement before any earnings are received. The earnings you receive during your assessment period will reduce your UC by 63% for every £1 you earn, if you don't have the work allowance. First payment for UC takes 5 weeks, at the end of week 4 you receive your statement which will tell you your maximum entitlement, your earnings received, the deductions and how much you'll receive, if anything.

You will need to contact DWP to arrange to pay back the advance payment.

Unfortunately, even though your wages have been less, this doesn't mean you're entitled to claim means tested benefits. A benefits calculator would have helped before a claim was started. This would have saved you going into debt.

Mrsn

They will write to you in due course asking you to arrange a payment plan with them. 

I don’t believe that they will think that you have done this deliberately so please try not concern yourself over that.