More than 8.4 million people in Great Britain are currently claiming Universal Credit, and many continue to struggle with rising rent, food, and energy costs despite recent benefit increases. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers several hardship schemes that claimants may not be aware of, including Budgeting Advances, hardship payments, and other support.
Universal Credit claimants can apply for a Budgeting Advance to cover emergency or unexpected costs. The minimum amount available is £100, and the maximum depends on personal circumstances, such as whether the claimant is single or has children. For single claimants, the maximum is £348; for those with a partner, it is £464; and for claimants with children, it is up to £812. These advances are interest-free but must be repaid through future Universal Credit payments. To qualify, claimants usually need to have received Universal Credit for at least six months, though exceptions apply.
Claimants whose payments have been reduced due to a sanction may still apply for a hardship payment to cover basic living costs like food, heating, or hygiene items. These payments are not automatic and must be requested, with claimants needing to demonstrate that they or someone in their household would face hardship without the money. Hardship payments normally have to be repaid.
Additional support includes Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) for those struggling with rent, administered by local councils. Eligibility varies by council and individual circumstances. Many councils in England and Scotland also operate local welfare schemes, such as the Household Support Fund in England and the Scottish Welfare Fund, which offers Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.
New Universal Credit claimants can request an advance payment while waiting for their first full payment, which typically takes around five weeks. This advance must be repaid through future payments. Citizens Advice urges people to seek help early, as some schemes have limited budgets or time restrictions.
