Will UC give me an advance for rent pay?

[zeeba]

Moving this month (found out on Friday) to a council house but can't afford the rent upfront as it gets taken out on the first. We've had one UC advance when we first received it but it's paid off. Is it possible to get a second advance for this situation? TIA

Is UC your only source of income?

If so, speak to the Housing Officer who is dealing with your tenancy. They will know what usually happens in cases like this.

No, I work full time but my overdraft will swallow that up this month

Sorry, I'm not being clear. I will get paid on the 12th but this month's wages are accounted for (overdraft and loan) already. It would be fine if it was after the 12th but it's the 1st

Can you call the loan company and get payment date changed? Call the bank and see if they will implement an emergency extra overdraft?

Does the work overdraft need to be repaid in full this month? Could you use the overdraft to pay the rent deposit?

Sorry - whole not work!

You may be able to get a change of circumstance advance if your Uc amount is going to be increasing which it will if you are adding rent element.

Probably not if you’ve only had the claim a month. Best way to find out is to ring and see what is available

If you have been on UC for 6 months you can request a budgeting advance. If not and your rent is going up or this is your first time adding rent to the claim, you can request a change of circumstances advance.

You might be able to get one but also look into a discretionary housing payment. Google your local council and there should be some details on their website

Hi @zeeba I'm a UC work coach. Assuming you took the new claim advance, you wouldn't be entitled to another. However, you may be entitled to a budgeting advance. Send a message to 'payments' via your journal or give them a call.

It's also worth trying to claim for a discretionary housing payment as @LuluJo1020 suggested. You can claim this via your local council online x