Universal Credit

5. Universal Credit payments

The DWP estimates it will take around 5 to 6 weeks for a new Universal Credit claim to be assessed and the first payment to arrive.

If you’re likely to struggle financially while waiting on your first payment, you may be entitled to an advance payment from the DWP while your claim is being assessed. You can apply for a Universal Credit Advance by contacting your DWP work coach. Any advance payments will be deducted from future Universal Credit payments.