More than 5.6 million people are currently claiming Universal Credit, a benefit delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), designed to help those out of work or on a low income cover the costs of daily living.
However, many new and existing claimants may not be aware that when you apply for Universal Credit, it can take up to five weeks for the first payment to come through and for those in immediate need of financial support, it is now possible to apply online for an advance payment.
It's important to be aware this advance must be paid back as a deduction from their regular Universal Credit payment, however claimants now have 24 months to repay the loan, instead of the previous 12.
