Universal credit advance - paying back

[rewardh]

My UC claim is going to stop soon, it’s only been a few months but we took the full advance we were able to which means I still owe them quite a bit. Has anyone any idea how they will want this paid back as I cannot afford to pay a lump sum but could probably manage the mi that amount we are paying now.

Why is your claim closing soon? You will need to speak to DWP debt management to work out a repayment plan if you no longer have an open UC claim. I’m not sure how much repayments are it will probably be what you are paying now.

Yes I will speak to them I was just curious if anyone knows if they would expect the payment in full.

They should get in touch with you with the info on what you owe & suggest a payment. You can have it set up as a direct debit or they can take it directly from your wages as a deduction, you can discuss the amount with them

Thanks, it’s over £900 owed. No wages. I will be ok if they let me set up a payment plan similar to what we pay now. I was worried in case they would demand it in one go which we have no chance of raising

@rewardh why will the claim stop?

I’m not sure it matters, but we won’t be entitled anymore.

I think (but don’t know) that it’s likely they will send you a slightly scary looking letter saying you need to pay it right now, but then if you phone them they will allow a payment plan.

It probably doesn't matter but if (eg) your claim was arbitrarily closed over some supposed omission on your part then there might be more questions.

If it's closed for what you accept is good reason then they'll want it all forthwith but accept installments once you explain that's not possible.

Your situation is mildly interesting to me as somebody who helps people claim UC. Advising care with advances as (a) they're repayable over time and (b) you never know what's round the corner is part of my schtick.

I haven’t omitted anything. They are not closing the claim, I will be.

Why? So you're still entitled but not going to claim,?

No we won’t be entitled to claim anymore so will be closing the claim. The detail isn’t important here I was just asking about the process for paying them back the outstanding debt.

If it’s just your earnings too high to be eligible I think you can keep the claim open for 6 months earning 0 which could buy you some time before paying it back. Obviously you’d have to check and it won’t work if it’s a savings thing etc but I thought it’s worth mentioning.