People on Universal Credit may be able to get extra help through a number of schemes
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer
03:00, 12 May 2026
People claiming Universal Credit may be able to access extra financial support through emergency payments, council grants and hardship schemes to help with essential living costs.(Image: Getty Images )
More than 8.4 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Universal Credit, with many households continuing to struggle with rent, food and energy costs despite benefit increases last month. Those facing financial hardship may be entitled to additional assistance through schemes provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), council grants, and emergency payments that a significant number of claimants are unaware of.
Certain forms of support must be repaid via future Universal Credit payments, while others do not require repayment. Below is an outline of the key hardship schemes and financial assistance options available to Universal Credit claimants.
Budgeting Advances
Universal Credit claimants may be eligible to apply for a Budgeting Advance to assist with emergency or unforeseen costs, reports the Daily Record.
This can include help paying for:
furniture or household itemswork-related expensesrent in advanceemergency travel costsreplacing essential appliances
The amount available is dependent on individual circumstances, including whether the claimant is single or has children.
What you can get
What you receive will depend on how much you require. The minimum amount you can borrow is £100. You can receive up to:
Budgeting Advances are interest-free but must be repaid through future Universal Credit payments.
To be eligible, claimants will generally need to have been receiving Universal Credit for a minimum of six months, though certain exceptions may apply.
Full details on Budgeting Advances can be found on GOV.UK.
Hardship Payments
Those whose Universal Credit payments have been reduced as a result of a sanction may still be entitled to apply for a hardship payment. These payments are intended to assist people in meeting essential living expenses if they are unable to afford necessities such as food, heating or hygiene products.
Hardship payments are not provided automatically and typically need to be applied for.
DWP guidance states claimants usually need to show they or someone in their household would face hardship without the payment. The money normally has to be repaid.
You can read the full guide to Universal Credit hardship payments on GOV.UK.
Discretionary Housing Payments
Those struggling to meet rent costs may be eligible for additional support through a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). These payments are managed by local authorities and can assist people receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
DHPs may help people facing:
rent shortfallsbenefit cap pressureshousing support reductionstemporary financial difficulties
Eligibility criteria differ depending on the council and individual circumstances. Full details can be found on MYGOV.SCOT for claimants living in Scotland and GOV.UK for those in England.
Household Support Fund and local welfare help
Numerous councils in Scotland and England run local welfare programmes or emergency support funds.
Support available can include:
supermarket vouchersfuel vouchersemergency cash paymentshelp with white goodsschool clothing grants
In England, assistance is often delivered through the Household Support Fund. In Scotland, councils may provide help through the Scottish Welfare Fund, including Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.
Universal Credit new claim advances
Individuals making a new Universal Credit claim may also be eligible to request an advance payment while awaiting their first full payment. Universal Credit is typically paid monthly in arrears, which means many new claimants must wait approximately five weeks before receiving their first scheduled payment.
Advance payments are intended to assist claimants in managing their finances during this period.
However, the money must be repaid through future Universal Credit payments. A comprehensive guide to Universal Credit advance payments is available on GOV.UK.
Citizens Advice encourages those experiencing financial difficulties to seek assistance promptly, as certain hardship schemes and local support funds operate with limited budgets or time constraints.
