Can i get a budgeting loan on tax credits

What to do if you are waiting on your first benefit payment. Rather than get a loan, in these circumstances you may be able to get a short term benefit advance. Speak to your local JobCentre Plus to see what help is available. In the first instance contact your local council , but also see our dedicated section of Emergency Support. Toggle navigation. What is a Budgeting Advance? How do I apply? How much will I get? How is the money repaid? What to do if you are waiting on your first benefit payment What Emergency Support can I get?

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Find out how they work and how to apply for them. It can be used for a wide range of things, including:. We can can help you start sorting out your financial problems. Find free, confidential advice now using our Debt advice locator tool. If you are getting certain benefits and have to pay the funeral expenses of a relative or close friend, you might be able to apply for a Funeral Payment. You must have been claiming for at least 26 weeks, either consecutively or with a break of no more than 28 days.

You can apply online on the GOV. UK website. If you have a loan but can no longer afford the agreed repayments, ask the office that paid you to work out another repayment plan. This is the equivalent of a Budgeting Loan for people who are claiming Universal Credit. You will usually have to start paying back your Budgeting Advance out of your next Universal Credit payment and pay it back within 12 months.

Local authorities in England and the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can provide help and support in an emergency. Find out about extra sources of income and support available to help you manage your household bills and save money in our guide What benefits you can claim and other ways to increase your income. MoneyHelper is the new, easy way to get clear, free, impartial help for all your money and pension choices. Whatever your circumstances or plans, move forward with MoneyHelper.

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You may be able to get a Budgeting Loan if you or your partner have been getting one, or a combination of, the following benefits for the past 26 weeks:. If you moved from Universal Credit to Pension Credit, any time spent claiming Universal Credit will count towards the 26 weeks. Budgeting Loans are not available if you or your partner currently claim Universal Credit.

Your repayments are worked out at the time your loan is agreed. They are usually taken out of your benefit, however, if you stop getting benefits you'll need to arrange another way to repay.

To access the service go to:. You can also fill it in on screen and print the claim form below. The form comes with notes to help you fill it in and tells you where to send it. You can also request a form by post. If you're unhappy with a Budgeting Loan decision, you have the right to ask for a review.

You must write to the address below within 28 days of the decision, explaining why you think the decision is wrong and ask for it to be reviewed. If, after that review, you still think the decision was wrong, you can ask for a further review by the office of the Independent Case Examiner which is independent from the Department for Communities. The review process is quick and simple, and should take no longer than 21 days.

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