How long does UC claim take to process

[Maxine3477]

Asking on behalf of my friend who isn't on MN.
She things she might fail probation period on current job as she's been making lots of mistakes etc. Also she's had quite a bit of time off sick (due to an ankle injury). She's a single parent with a mortgage, so is desperate to know how long a UC claim takes to process? (in the worst case scenario if she fails the probation and isn't kept on at work, she'd have to claim UC as she doesn't have saving to cover her living costs).

I thought they said it was 6 weeks unless its improved

If your friend claimed today her Assessment Period would be 14/11 - 13/12 and her first payment would be due 20/12 although this is actually a Sunday so she would be paid Friday 18/12.

It's one month and seven days from the date you apply online until first payment. You can take an advance if you need to to tide you over until first payment.