Universal Credit Advance Payment Number: How to Apply and Who to Call
Introduction: Your independent guide to getting an advance
If you have just applied for Universal Credit, you usually wait around five weeks for your first payment. That wait can feel impossible if you have no money for food, rent or bills.
You may be able to get a Universal Credit advance payment to help you through that period. This guide explains the contact number you need, how to apply, and what to expect. We are an independent website and not part of the DWP.
Quick answer: There is no separate “advance payment number” for a reference. The contact you need is the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 (England, Scotland, Wales). In Northern Ireland, call 0800 012 1331. You can also apply through your online journal or by speaking to your work coach.
You can only ask for a new claim advance during your first assessment period. It is a loan, not a grant, so you pay it back from future Universal Credit payments.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the DWP, HMRC, any UK government body or local council. Information is for general guidance only and is not financial or legal advice. Always check GOV.UK for the latest official information.
[LAST CHECKED: 12 October 2026]
Who can claim a Universal Credit advance payment?
You may be able to get an advance if you have applied for Universal Credit and you are struggling financially before your first payment.
You must be waiting for your first Universal Credit payment and still within your first assessment period.
You usually need to have verified your identity and provided bank account details for the payment.
You must explain why you need the money urgently.
Nation differences:
England, Scotland and Wales: The advance is a loan. You repay it through deductions from your Universal Credit.
Northern Ireland: You might be eligible for a Universal Credit New Claims grant instead, which does not have to be paid back. The helpline number is different.
If you live in Scotland, you can also ask for Universal Credit to be paid twice a month rather than monthly.
You cannot get an advance if your Universal Credit claim is likely to be refused. The DWP only offers advances where they think your claim will result in an award.
If you are unsure whether an advance is right for you, see our guide to managing the five-week wait for Universal Credit.
How much could you get?
You can usually get up to 100% of your estimated first Universal Credit payment. The exact amount depends on your circumstances.
The minimum advance is usually £100.
There is no set maximum figure because it depends on your entitlement.
You must repay the advance over a maximum of 24 months.
Important: The amount you get as an advance is deducted from your future Universal Credit payments. Your monthly payments will be lower until the advance is paid off.
If you are already getting Universal Credit and need help with a one-off cost, you might be able to get a Budgeting Advance instead. The maximum Budgeting Advance is:
£348 if you are single with no children
£464 if you are a couple with no children
£812 if you have children
These figures apply to England, Scotland and Wales. [VERIFY: Northern Ireland Budgeting Advance amounts may differ.]
If you are struggling with repayments, see our guide on what to do if you cannot afford Universal Credit deductions.
How to apply: step by step
You can apply for a Universal Credit advance payment in three ways. There is no separate “advance payment number” to dial – you contact the main Universal Credit helpline.
1. Apply through your online journal
Log in to your Universal Credit account and leave a message in your journal. State that you want to apply for an advance payment and explain why you need it.
2. Call the Universal Credit helpline
This is the Universal Credit advance payment number most people use.
Telephone: 0800 328 5644 (England, Scotland, Wales)
Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 328 5644
Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
Northern Ireland: 0800 012 1331
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
3. Speak to your work coach
You can ask a Universal Credit contact at your local jobcentre or your work coach. If you have an appointment already, raise it then.
You will usually find out the same day whether you can get an advance. If your application is urgent, tell the helpline you have no other money to live on – they can sometimes pay you on the same day. Otherwise, payment usually arrives within three working days.
Documents you’ll need: a checklist
Before you apply, have these ready:
- □
- □
Your bank account details (the account you want the money paid into)
- □
Proof of your identity (usually done when you applied for Universal Credit)
- □
Information about any money or savings you have
- □
A clear explanation of why you need the advance
If you cannot open a bank account, speak to your work coach. They can discuss other options with you.
Common mistakes that delay or reduce claims
Applying too late. You can only get a new claim advance during your first assessment period. Once your first payment is due, you usually cannot get one.
Not having bank details ready. The DWP needs somewhere to pay the money. If you do not provide bank details, your application will be delayed.
Asking for the full amount when you do not need it. Remember, every pound you take as an advance is a pound deducted from future payments. Some people choose to take less to keep their monthly payments higher.
Not checking your journal. The DWP may contact you through your journal. If you do not check it, you could miss important messages.
Assuming it is free money. A Universal Credit advance is a loan. You must pay it back. In Northern Ireland, the New Claims grant works differently and does not need to be repaid.
If you are worried about debt, see our guide to free debt advice for people on Universal Credit.
What happens after you apply?
The DWP will tell you if your advance is approved. You will usually hear on the same day.
If you are approved:
The money is paid into your bank account, usually within three working days.
Repayments start from your first Universal Credit payment.
Your repayments are spread over up to 24 months.
If you are refused:
You can ask the DWP to reconsider the decision. This is not a formal appeal – advance decisions cannot be appealed through the normal tribunal system.
Ask for a mandatory reconsideration if you believe the decision was wrong. You usually need to do this within one month of the decision.
If you are struggling to repay:
You can ask for repayments to be delayed for 3 months. Contact the Universal Credit helpline or update your journal to request this.
Important: If you stop claiming Universal Credit, you still have to repay any outstanding advance. The DWP Debt Management team will contact you about repayments.
If you need to challenge a decision, see our step-by-step guide to mandatory reconsideration for Universal Credit.
Related support you might be missing
An advance is not the only help available while you wait for Universal Credit.
Discretionary Assistance Fund (Wales): Emergency grants that do not need to be repaid. Apply through the Welsh Government.
Scottish Welfare Fund: Crisis grants and community care grants for people in Scotland. [VERIFY: current eligibility and application process.]
Flexible Support Fund: Help with costs like travel to interviews or work clothing. Ask your work coach.
Food bank referrals: Many jobcentres can refer you to a local food bank. Ask your work coach.
Local council support: Some councils offer Household Support Fund payments. [VERIFY: check your local council website as schemes vary.]
Quick summary checklist
✅ Universal Credit advance payment number: 0800 328 5644 (England, Scotland, Wales); 0800 012 1331 (Northern Ireland).
✅ You can apply through your online journal, by phone, or through your work coach.
✅ You can get up to 100% of your estimated first payment.
✅ You repay over up to 24 months through deductions.
✅ Northern Ireland may offer a New Claims grant instead of a loan.
✅ If you are refused, ask for a reconsideration within one month.
FAQs
What is the Universal Credit advance payment number?
The main number is 0800 328 5644 for England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, call 0800 012 1331. You can also apply through your online journal without calling.
Can I get a Universal Credit advance on the same day?
You will usually find out the same day if you qualify. Payment normally takes up to three working days. If you have no other money, tell the helpline – they can sometimes pay on the same day.
Do I have to pay back a Universal Credit advance?
Yes. A Universal Credit advance is a loan. You repay it through deductions from your future Universal Credit payments, usually over 24 months. In Northern Ireland, the New Claims grant does not need to be repaid.
How much can I get as a Universal Credit advance?
You can usually get up to 100% of your estimated first Universal Credit payment. The minimum is usually £100. The exact amount depends on your circumstances.
What if I am refused a Universal Credit advance?
You cannot appeal an advance decision in the normal way, but you can ask the DWP to reconsider. You usually need to ask within one month of the decision.
Conclusion
Getting a Universal Credit advance payment can help you through the five-week wait, but it is a loan you must repay. The key contact is the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 – there is no separate “advance payment number” for a reference. You can also apply through your journal or work coach.
Remember: only ask for what you need, because every pound you take now means a smaller Universal Credit payment later. If you are in Northern Ireland, check whether you can get the New Claims grant instead.
For more help, see our guides on Universal Credit payment dates, how deductions work, and what to do if your Universal Credit is stopped.