How Many Times Can You Get An Advance on Universal Credit

When you first apply for Universal Credit, waiting around five weeks for your first payment can feel overwhelming. That’s why advance payments exist — to bridge the gap while you wait. But a common question many claimants ask is: how many times can you get an advance on Universal Credit? In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how advance payments work, how often you can apply, what the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) considers, and what alternatives exist if you’re not eligible for another advance.

What is a Universal Credit Advance and How Does it Work?

Why might you need an advance before your first payment?

If you’ve just made a new claim and you need immediate funds for essentials — such as food, rent, heating or transport — an advance helps cover your living costs until your full Universal Credit payment arrives. It’s essentially a loan taken from your future entitlement, and it’s repaid automatically through deductions from your monthly award.

What types of Universal Credit advances can you apply for?

There are several different advance types under Universal Credit, depending on your situation:

Note: All of these advances are loans — the money goes into your bank account early, but you must repay it through deductions from your future UC payments.

How Many Times Can You Get an Advance on Universal Credit?

Can you get more than one advance on a single Universal Credit claim?

• Generally, you can only get one New Claim Advance per claim.

• If you didn’t take the full amount available initially, you may be able to request a “top-up” (a second payment) — but the combined sum of first and second payments can’t exceed one month’s full UC entitlement.

• So in practice, a second “top-up” payment is the exception, not a normal “second advance.”

Can you apply for another advance later in your claim?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. You may apply again if:

• Your circumstances change (for example, your rent increases, you lose work, or your family size changes).

• The change increases your Universal Credit entitlement.

• You meet the DWP’s affordability and repayment checks.

This second type of support is called a Change of Circumstances Advance, and it is treated separately from the original New Claim Advance.

What are the rules around multiple advances according to the DWP?

The DWP considers each advance request individually. You cannot stack unlimited advances. The main rules are:

• Only one New Claim Advance per claim (with possible top-up).

• A Change of Circumstances Advance is possible if your entitlement goes up.

• You may receive more than one Change of Circumstances Advance, but each must relate to a different change.

• You cannot get another advance if your repayment burden would be too high.

What Factors Affect Whether You Can Receive Another Advance?

How does your repayment history impact eligibility?

Your repayment record plays an important role in determining whether the DWP can approve more than one advance. If you are still repaying a previous advance, the DWP may limit the amount of new borrowing you can take on. They will look at how well you have managed your deductions and whether you’ve requested any repayment reductions previously.

You may be refused another advance if:

• Your repayment deductions already take a large portion of your monthly UC payment.

• You have requested reduced repayments due to financial hardship.

• You owe additional debts to the DWP, such as overpayments or sanctions.

Does your current financial need influence approval?

The DWP examines your financial situation closely to understand whether an additional advance is necessary. You might be asked to explain your monthly spending and how your financial needs have changed. This can include:

• Essential household costs (rent, utilities, food)

• Income sources or recent reductions

• Whether your savings are below the allowable threshold

• Any additional responsibilities, such as dependants

If your financial need is clearly demonstrated and unavoidable, your request has a stronger chance of being approved.

What does the DWP assess before allowing another advance?

Before approving a new advance, the DWP considers several elements:

• Affordability: Can you realistically repay the additional amount within the maximum repayment period?

• Impact: Would the deductions leave you unable to meet essential expenses?

• Eligibility: Is there a valid reason, such as a change of circumstances, to justify a new loan?

• Debt limits: Will your total deductions fall within allowed limits?

These factors help determine whether another advance is sustainable for both you and the DWP

How Much Can You Borrow Across Multiple Advances?

What is the maximum allowed for each type of advance?

The amount you can borrow varies by advance type. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Is there a limit to the total amount you can owe at once?

Yes. The DWP imposes deduction limits to prevent your monthly Universal Credit payment from being reduced too heavily. If your total deductions — including repayment of advances, sanctions, overpayments or rent arrears — exceed the maximum permitted limit, the DWP will not allow a further advance. This ensures your essential living costs are still covered, even while repaying debts.

How does taking multiple advances affect future deductions?

Taking more than one advance means:

• Higher monthly deductions

• Longer repayment periods

• Less disposable income each month

This is important to consider before applying again.

How Do Repayments Work If You Take More Than One Advance?

How long do you get to repay multiple advances?

Repayment periods vary depending on the type of advance, but most are repaid over 12 to 24 months, depending on your agreement with the DWP. If you take multiple advances, the DWP usually combines the total into a single deduction, making the repayment clearer but potentially larger each month.

How are deductions taken from your Universal Credit payment?

Deductions are automatic and come out of your monthly Universal Credit award before the payment reaches your bank account. The DWP calculates the deduction rate by considering:

• How much you owe in total

• Your monthly UC entitlement

• Any other debts being repaid

• The maximum legal deduction percentage

Because deductions are automatic, you don’t need to manage repayments manually, but you should be aware of how they impact your income.

What Are the Alternatives if You Cannot Get Another Advance?

Can you apply for a Budgeting Advance instead?

If you already receive Universal Credit and need help with one-off essential expenses, a Budgeting Advance may be available. This can help with:

• Furniture and household items

• Clothing expenses

• Job-related costs

• Travel expenses

• Moving costs

Are you eligible for a Hardship Payment?

If your Universal Credit has been reduced due to a sanction and you cannot afford basic essentials, you may be able to apply for a Hardship Payment. This payment is different from an advance — it provides temporary support if you’re in crisis, although it still needs to be repaid later through reduced deductions.

What local or charitable support is available in your area?

You may also find help through:

• Local Welfare Assistance Schemes

• Food banks

• Charitable grants

• Council support funds

These can be valuable if you’re not eligible for further DWP advances.

What Should You Consider Before Asking for Another Advance?

How can multiple advances impact your long-term finances?

Taking several advances can offer important short-term relief, but it also means you’ll face larger deductions for many months. This could make budgeting more complicated, reduce your ability to handle unexpected expenses, and potentially increase your reliance on short-term loans or support schemes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of requesting another advance?

Advantages

• Immediate access to funds

• Prevents arrears and financial stress

• Offers flexibility if your circumstances change

Disadvantages

• Reduced UC payments for months ahead

• Risk of repayment difficulty

• Possibility of being refused due to existing debt

When is it better to wait for your normal Universal Credit payment?

If you can manage without extra support — even temporarily — it may be better to avoid further deductions. Consider:

• Whether you have alternative short-term support

• Whether upcoming expenses will require a Budgeting Advance instead

• Whether higher deductions could push you into hardship

Conclusion

Understanding how many times you can get an advance on Universal Credit helps you make informed decisions about managing your financial situation while claiming benefits. You’ll usually receive only one New Claim Advance, but you might qualify for further help if your circumstances change or if you need support with essential one-off costs. Always weigh the long-term effects of repayment deductions and explore alternatives if you feel another advance may place too much strain on your monthly income.

FAQs

1. Does Attendance Allowance affect your other benefits?

No — Attendance Allowance does not reduce other benefits and may even increase some, such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.

2. Can you get help with a car if you get Attendance Allowance?

No — Attendance Allowance does not give access to Motability, but you may still qualify for other travel support schemes.

3. What are the pitfalls of Attendance Allowance?

The main pitfalls include a complex application process, no automatic backdating, and no mobility component for travel needs.

4. Do you have to pay council tax if you are on Attendance Allowance?

Not automatically — Attendance Allowance doesn’t exempt you, but you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction depending on your income and circumstances.

5. How much is Attendance Allowance per month?

Attendance Allowance pays £72.65 or £108.55 per week, which is roughly £290 to £435 per month.