A little-known way Universal Credit households can get a one-off payment of up to £812 to help pay the bills has been revealed. Universal Credit claimants are being told to be aware of one-off payments worth hundreds that could help cover emergency costs.

A budgeting advance is a type of payment given to those claiming the benefit to help with paying for items. The lowest amount you can borrow is £100. You could get up to £348 if you’re single or £464 if you have a partner or £812 if you or your partner claim Child Benefit.

How much you could get depends on whether you can pay the loan back and have savings of more than £1,000 (£2,000 if you or your partner are 63 or over), as well as are paying back an existing Budgeting Loan or Crisis Loan.

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