Short-term Benefit Advance

You may be able to get an advance benefit payment to help you out over the short term.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a short-term benefit advance you must:

• have made a new or repeat claim for a benefit other than Universal Credit (and be likely to be eligible for that benefit) , or have reported a change in circumstances that increases the rate of benefit you currently receive
• not have access to any other funds or support
• be in urgent financial need that could put your or your family’s health, safety or well-being at immediate risk 
• be able to repay the advance within 12 weeks

You may be able to get a short term benefit advance of any of the following benefits

• Bereavement Benefit
• Carer’s Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit
• Income Support
• Job Seekers Allowance
• Maternity Allowance
• Pension Credit
• State Pension
• Widows Benefit  

You cannot get a short term benefit advance of any of the following benefits

• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment Attendance Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Bereavement Support Payment

How to apply for a Short-term Benefit Advance

You will need to give the following information:

• your National Insurance Number
• details of your benefit
• your account details

Apply to the Finance Support Service.

How the advance is paid

The advance will be paid into the account you use for your benefit.

If you are unhappy with a decision

You cannot appeal against a decision about a Short-term Benefit Advance, but you can ask for it to be reconsidered. You must ask for this on the day the decision was made by contacting the Finance Support Service