Individuals receiving certain benefits in the UK may qualify for a one-off payment of up to £812 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This financial assistance, known as a Budgeting Advance, aims to help cover unexpected costs, such as emergency household repairs or expenses related to employment.
To be eligible for this support, applicants must have been receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or State Pension Credit for at least six months. Alternatively, individuals seeking assistance to start a new job or maintain current employment may also qualify.
Understanding the Payment Structure
The amount eligible individuals can receive varies based on their specific circumstances. The smallest amount available is £100, while the maximum is £812 for those with children. Breakdown of potential payments includes £348 for single applicants and £464 for couples.
Funding from a Budgeting Advance must be repaid, typically through future benefit payments over a period of 24 months. For instance, if an applicant receives an advance of £240, they would repay £10 monthly, deducted from their benefit payments. In cases where repayment becomes challenging, individuals can request a change in the repayment amount.
Application Process and Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Budgeting Advance, individuals can take several approaches. Options include updating their journal in their Universal Credit account, speaking with a Universal Credit contact at their local jobcentre or work coach, or calling the Universal Credit helpline at 0800 328 5644. The helpline operates Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00.
Eligibility criteria are strict. Applicants are disqualified if they have earned over £2,600 (or £3,600 for couples) in the past six months or if they have outstanding previous Budgeting Advance loans.
The DWP’s recent update regarding the Christmas bonus also clarified that Universal Credit claimants are not eligible for this additional support.
For more detailed information, individuals can visit the DWP’s official website. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to assisting those in financial distress, ensuring that help is accessible to those who need it most.
