Universal Credit is paid in arrears

Universal Credit payments are made twice monthly (not weekly) in arrears

If you are claiming in Northern Ireland, you will be paid twice monthly in arrears.

If you are claiming in England, Wales or Scotland, you will be paid monthly in arrears when you first set up your claim.
You can ask your work coach to set up your claim so you receive twice-monthly payments if you are struggling to manage on the monthly payment. This is usually called an ‘alternative payment arrangement’.

You must wait 5 weeks for your first payment of Universal Credit

You will receive your first payment within 7 days of the end of your first monthly assessment period. This means that you must wait 5 weeks for your first payment (some UC:Us members have had to wait longer). Getting through this initial stage can be tough and decisions you make at this stage can have lasting effects.

Two week run ons are available if you’re moving to UC from another benefit

If you were getting Housing Benefit immediately before you claimed Universal Credit, you will continue to receive your Housing Benefit in the usual way for an extra two weeks after you claim Universal Credit.

If a change in your circumstances means you are no longer entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance you may make a claim for Universal Credit. You will continue to receive Jobseeker's Allowance for an extra two weeks after you make your claim for Universal Credit. Your Jobseeker's Allowance will then stop.

If a change in your circumstances means you are no longer entitled to Employment and Support Allowance you may make a claim for Universal Credit. You will continue to receive Employment and Support Allowance for an extra two weeks after you make your claim for Universal Credit.

Financial support available

Advance payments
Universal Credit applicants are offered an "Advance payment" to bridge the gap. The Advance payment is a repayable loan available to all UC claimants. Taking the advance means you are taking a loan and will need to pay back the debt. Get advice before you accept this payment.

If you do choose to take an advance payment

Remember it's a loan and repayments will be taken out of your payment each month.
You don't have to take the full advance amount that you are entitled to. If you do need to get an advance, try to work out the very minimum you will need to get you through that first period.

Always check what other financial support is available first

Universal Credit Contingency Fund
In Northern Ireland, you can apply for a grant from the Universal Credit Contingency Fund. You are eligible if the five week wait will lead to a financial crisis. However, if you received a “discretionary support grant” in the last 12 months, you cannot access this fund.

Find out more and apply for the fund: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/extra-financial-support

Charitable sources of support
You can access foodbank vouchers via organisations like the Trussell Trust, or from your local community centre. You should never be ashamed to use a foodbank. It is not your fault that there is limited financial support during the waiting period.

If you live in Northern Ireland you can ring the ‘Make the Call’ team and they can advise on alternative support.

"I was a teacher and I have used foodbanks and receive Universal Credit. People from all walks of life can enter financial difficulty. I hate the thought of people not receiving support because of the stigma. It's ok to seek out financial support"

"There is no shame in putting food on the table and ensuring your children and/or yourself are fed."

UC:Us Team