Budgeting Loan

lez1981

I applied, online, for a budgeting loan on 17th April. This was done a working day after changing my address. Next day received a message stating they’d contact within 21 days. We are approaching that point next tuesday. How long do I leave it before chasing? I know there is a bank holiday monday. I have had one before and they’ve never taken this long. 

poppy12345

The last time i heard, there were backlogs for these loans. Don't forget there was also a bank holiday last weekend too, which will only add to the waiting time. Even if you did contact them there's nothing they will do, unfortunately, you just need to wait.

kkkklinky

These messages stating it can take 21 days are extremely common, unfortunately payments for Loans are having to be manually processed due to the computer system no longer operating. Because of the bank holidays it could take longer. People have been waiting up to 2 months for these loans.

poppy12345

kkkklinky said:

People have been waiting up to 2 months for these loans.

The backlogs do seem to have increased in the last few months. I applied for one on 12th Dec 2022 and the money was in my bank on 19th Dec.

Jyana

I applied for one on 25th March and it took 6 days for them to get back to me with a decision, I didn't get any message telling me that they would get back to me within 21 days though. The only email before that was the initial thanks for the application which had the usual "We will send you a decision message in the next week. This will tell you if we can offer you a loan and what to do next." line in it.

Is it possible that due to the Cost of Living payments and extra bank holiday this month that they are a bit under manned at present and that has caused some delays?

kkkklinky

It literally depends on how many applications they are receiving, but they are being processed manually instead of by computer, when the system was working properly people were getting offers the next or even the same day even getting payment in 3 working days. Unfortunately that isn't currently happening in the UK ( Ireland is way better) the average payment date is currently around 18 days obviously some may get it sooner or later than that. There are no plans to improve the system since IRESA and Budgeting Loans are ultimately going to be scrapped

pml1978

I applied for a Budgeting Loan last year 2023 and got a decision text the following day.  I applied for another one this year on 2nd May. The day after I applied I got the 21 days text. I have heard nothing since. Today 30th May 4 weeks after applying, I phoned them. I was on hols for 2hrs 37mins before my call was answered by a real person. I was told that there is massive backlog and the average application is taking around 6 to 8 weeks to been looked at and a decision made.  I was told by the lady on the phone there was nothing that could be done. Budgeting are not emergency payments or an income related benefit. So there is no requirement in law for the DWP to pay Budgeting loans out within a set period of time. So I like everyone else will just have to wait.  
I guess the big questions are why are they so swamped?  Why are many more people needing to applied for a Budgeting loan right now?
The mess the Torries have made of the benefit system and the country is discussing.

Newcad

pml1978 said:

..... I was on hols for 2hrs 37mins.....

I guess the big questions are why are they so swamped?  Why are many more people needing to applied for a Budgeting loan right now?

Wow, that was a short holiday.

As for why many are applying for a loan right now? - My guess would be that it's something to do with the CoL payments ending. People have got used to having a lump sum to spend now and again on needed houshold goods, furniture, appliances, etc..

sheramber

Matbe they are in the same position as you are and needing help.

HillStreetBlues

Newcad said:

As for why many are applying for a loan right now? - My guess would be that it's something to do with the CoL payments ending. People have got used to having a lump sum to spend now and again on needed houshold goods, furniture, appliances, etc..

Some might have put it in the bank earning interest knowing they keep any interest earnt  (or maybe that's just how my mind works).

kkkklinky

I applied for a loan last week and got the money yesterday, so was only waiting 5 days in total. I got a decision on the same day I applied. It was the fastest I've ever been paid.