How long are Budgeting loans taking?

rich_shot2003

i know DWP may be busy at the moment but does anyone know how long they are taking to do Budgeting loans at the moment?
i did it online and it says i will hear back within 20 working days which runs out tomorrow so am holding off from calling them and just wanted to know if people are waiting longer then what they state on website.

poppy12345

I think the answer here is "how long is a piece of string" The last time i applied for one of these it took much longer than the 20 working days guideline and that was before Covid.

[Deleted User]

It could vary. I thought COVID would mean they would take ages. However, my mum applied for one and applied online and had a decision 4 days later, she returned the reply slip and had the money the following week. 

preables

Did one last time we were in lockdown took around 5 days for a decision and money was in the next week after I posted the reply 

kimp22

I applied for one on the 13th of this month and received the money yesterday. I applied online. 

Sal

Robbie64

I completed an online application for a friend yesterday. Today he received the offer by text along with a web link, application number and security code. I then accessed the link, completed his application and the money will be in his bank next week. The whole process was automated. If this has been rolled out nationwide (and I assume it has) then just make sure you include a mobile number when applying.

Robbie64

Incidentally, this is the link I mentioned above that was in the text my friend received today. This must be a recent addition to claiming a Budgeting Loan via online. It has been possible to make an application online for a while now but previosuly the offer and acceptance letter would still be sent out and would need posting back:

https://www.apply-budgeting-loan.service.gov.uk/decision/application-reference