How Universal Credit is paid

Universal Credit payments will be made one month in arrears.

It usually takes five to six weeks to receive your first Universal Credit payment. There can be additional delays with administrative or verification issues. More information on your first payment.

If you don’t have enough money to live on while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment you can ask for an advance payment. You can receive an advance as soon as you have provided proof of your identity. The advance has to be paid back, therefore an amount will be deducted from your future Universal Credit payments. You can ask to receive your advance in instalments. Don't ask for more than you need, this will help to increase the amount you receive in your future Universal Credit payments.

You can ask for an advance payment at your Universal Credit interview or by calling the helpline after you have made a claim.

0800 328 5644 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm).

More details about Universal Credit advance payments.

You can receive an advance up until the last few days before you are due to receive your first Universal Credit payment. You may be able to get support through Coventry City Council’s Household Support Fund with a Crisis Award in the last few days before you are due to receive your first Universal Credit payment.