Universal credit advance

jemima72

Sorry another universal credit question. I know it could be up to 2 year until tax credits claiments are changed over, but the thought of trying to get through the first month with no money is filling me with dread.

We currently receive tax credits weekly and use this for food shopping while my husband's wages all go on bills and we cant afford to save. Does anyone have experience of how long applying for an advance takes? I know you have to have a first appointment before applying for an advance but how long would this be after making the claim? 

I read they can refuse if you have enough money to live on, would this be the case as we have other income even though it is all accounted for? 

poppy12345

Once you've had your first appointment then usually you can apply for an advance payment and can paid paid on the same day you request it. The maximum amount you can request will be based on your maximum UC entitlement, even if the amount you will receive is less. Do be aware that it will need to be repaid back, which will mean your future UC payments will be reduced.

jemima72

poppy12345 said:

Once you've had your first appointment then usually you can apply for an advance payment and can paid paid on the same day you request it. The maximum amount you can request will be based on your maximum UC entitlement, even if the amount you will receive is less. Do be aware that it will need to be repaid back, which will mean your future UC payments will be reduced.

Thank you. Have you any idea how long people usually wait for a first appointment? I assume it doesn't take too long and people don't have to wait weeks before being able to claim an advance? 

poppy12345

Usually appointments are within a few days after submitting your claim. You won't have to wait weeks.

NedS

jemima72 said:

Sorry another universal credit question. I know it could be up to 2 year until tax credits claiments are changed over, but the thought of trying to get through the first month with no money is filling me with dread.

We currently receive tax credits weekly and use this for food shopping while my husband's wages all go on bills and we cant afford to save. Does anyone have experience of how long applying for an advance takes? I know you have to have a first appointment before applying for an advance but how long would this be after making the claim? 

I read they can refuse if you have enough money to live on, would this be the case as we have other income even though it is all accounted for? 

I would strongly advise that you seek budgeting support now and spend the time between now and when you do move onto Universal Credit working on moving towards monthly budgeting. This will make the transition far more seamless for you rather than trying to jump straight in from weekly to monthly budgeting which is simply going to end in hardship for you.
You can also request more frequent payments (2 split payments per month) on Universal Credit which may help and is somewhat of a half way house between weekly and monthly budgeting, but it would be far better if you can gradually migrate yourselves to monthly budgeting before it is imposed upon you.

Jonj1611

poppy12345 said:

Once you've had your first appointment then usually you can apply for an advance payment and can paid paid on the same day you request it. The maximum amount you can request will be based on your maximum UC entitlement, even if the amount you will receive is less. Do be aware that it will need to be repaid back, which will mean your future UC payments will be reduced.

Sorry to jump on this thread, thought it would be easier than making a new one. So I applied for UC today and applied for a advance and was rejected. Is this because I have not yet had the interview?

poppy12345

Jonj1611 said:

poppy12345 said:

Once you've had your first appointment then usually you can apply for an advance payment and can paid paid on the same day you request it. The maximum amount you can request will be based on your maximum UC entitlement, even if the amount you will receive is less. Do be aware that it will need to be repaid back, which will mean your future UC payments will be reduced.

Sorry to jump on this thread, thought it would be easier than making a new one. So I applied for UC today and applied for a advance and was rejected. Is this because I have not yet had the interview?

Potentially yes. Are you also aware that as you're transferring from ESA then this and your housing benefit will continue for 2 weeks. Any advance payment you have will need to be repaid back, which will reduce your future payments until it's repaid.