Families on Universal Credit can apply for free cash worth £800 to help with the cost of living – are you eligible?
The cash is available through Budgeting Loans, designed to help cover shock expenses like essential household items or unexpected travel costs.
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It is important to note that this is not a grant, but a loan, and will be deducted in instalments from future benefit payments until repaid in full.
However, unlike commercial bank or credit card loans, there are no interest charges, making it a safer option for those struggling.
But there's a catch – only those who've been on certain benefits for six months can apply.
And while it's not free money, you'll only pay back what you borrow, with repayments automatically taken from your benefits.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who has received Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension for over six months is eligible to apply.
However, if you have earned more than £2,600 or £3,600 for combined couples in the last six months, it will not be granted.
Also if you have savings or capital over £1,000, the jobcentre will reduce the amount you can borrow by the amount of money you have over that amount.
For example, if you have £1,250 in your savings, your loan will be reduced by £250.
Capital is defined as savings and some types of property.
You also cannot apply if you are still repaying a previous Budgeting Advance loan.
If granted, repayment will usually be split over 24 months, but if you stop receiving the benefit, you will still have to repay the loan in full.
What shock expenses does it cover?
Whilst each case is assessed individually, some examples of what the loan is designed for are:
A one-off replacement, such as replacing a broken fridge
Work-related expenses such as purchasing a uniform or tools
Unexpected expenses, such as your car breaking down
Repairs to your home
Maternity expenses
Funeral expenses
Moving costs or rent deposit
Essential items such as clothes
For an exhaustive list, see the government website here.
How much can you borrow?
The smallest amount you can borrow is £100, but the maximum amount you are entitled to depends on your family situation.
You can borrow:
£364 if you are single without children
£464 if you are in a couple without children
£812 if you have children
How to apply for the loan?
Often, the terrifying costs that the loan is designed for are sudden, so you can usually expect a decision on the day you apply.
You can apply for the loan in the journal of your Universal Credit account, with your nearest Jobcentre or via the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Your work coach will assess whether you are capable of repaying the loan and will ask about existing debts and capital.
Citizens Advice said that whilst you can't appeal the decision, if you can prove that your circumstances have changed, you can ask for it to be looked at again.
What if I am not eligible or haven't received benefits for six months?
If you have applied for Universal Credit or other eligible benefits but have yet to receive your first payment, you won't apply for a Budgeting Advance, but might apply for an Advance Payment.
This can entitle you to 100% of your first Universal Credit payment to get you on your feet, as payments are paid retrospectively based on your earnings from the previous month.
If you are within your assessment period and have had an interview at a Jobcentre you can apply online through your Universal Credit account and it will conveniently calculate the amount you are entitled to borrow.
If you have passed the first assessment, you will need to speak to your work coach or call the helpline.
Either way, you will usually have a decision on the day.
Like the Budgeting Advance, it is critical that claimants understand that Advance payments are a loan and will be docked off future payments.
New claimants usually are given up to two years to pay it back and in extreme circumstances, the repayments can be delayed up to three months.
If you stop receiving Universal Credit, you will still have to repay the loan through wages or an alternative benefit.
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