UPDATE: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just announced that eligible individuals can receive a one-off payment of up to £812 to help cover emergency costs. This critical support is available for those receiving specific benefits and struggling with unexpected expenses.
This urgent financial assistance comes as many households face rising costs, making it essential for those in need to act quickly. If you qualify, you can use this money for urgent household needs, such as replacing a broken cooker, covering job-related expenses, or even funeral costs.
To qualify for a Budgeting Advance, applicants must have been receiving Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or State Pension Credit for at least six months. Additionally, you must demonstrate a need for funds to start or maintain employment.
The DWP specifies that if you or your partner have earned more than £2,600 in the past six months (or £3,600 together), you will not qualify. Those who have not fully repaid a previous Budgeting Advance are also ineligible. Importantly, individuals can only apply for one advance at a time.
The payments available range from £100 to £812, depending on your specific circumstances:
- £348 for single individuals
- £464 for couples
- £812 for households with children
Repayment is structured to ease the burden, typically spread over 24 months, starting from your next benefit payment. For example, if you borrow £240, repayments will be approximately £10 deducted monthly from your benefits.
If you find yourself struggling to repay the advance, you can request a change in the repayment amount. The DWP emphasizes the importance of this support, especially given recent updates regarding the Christmas bonus, which confirmed that Universal Credit claimants are not eligible for that additional payment.
To apply for the Budgeting Advance, you can take several actions:
- Update your journal in your Universal Credit account
- Contact a Universal Credit representative at your local jobcentre
- Call the Universal Credit helpline at 0800 328 5644, available Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 6 PM
For more information, visit the official DWP website. This development is crucial for many families facing financial difficulties, and immediate action is recommended to take advantage of this support.
Stay informed on this and other important updates as they develop, and share this news to help others in need!
