There are additional support schemes available to people who are claiming benefits other than Universal Credit.
You might be able to claim a short-term benefit advance if you have made a new or repeat claim for a benefit or you have reported a change in circumstances that increases the rate of benefit you receive.
Short-term benefit advances are available for Bereavement Benefit, Carer’s Allowance, ESA, Incapacity Benefit, Income Support, JSA, Maternity Allowance, Pension Credit, State Pension and Widows Benefit.
To be eligible, you must not have access to other funds or financial support and you must be in urgent financial need that could put you or your family’s health, safety or well-being at immediate risk.
For further information on short term benefit advances and how to apply, visit:
You might be able to claim a social fund budgeting loan for help with essential household expenses.
Budgeting loans can be used for many things, including meeting the cost of furniture or appliances, meeting advances of rent, covering expenses to improve, maintain or secure your home or even repaying debts.
While a budgeting loan must be repaid, it is interest free.
Budgeting loans are available to claimants who have received Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA or Pension Credit for the past 26 weeks. Loans are not available to Universal Credit claimants.
Budgeting loans are not counted as income and will not affect the payment of other benefits.
Loans are between £100 and £1,500 and usually have to be repaid within 104 weeks.
For further information on budgeting loans and how to apply, visit:
