What is eligible for advance payment?

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: No advance allowed on LCWRA.

garyaye123

i was awarded lcwra last month and said i would get first payment in october i tried to get an advance on it for gas electric bill and food but got told that doesn’t match there criteria 🤷🏼‍♂️.What does ??

Jimm_Scope

Hi @garyaye123, welcome to the community 😊 There are specific reasons for a budgeting advance. These are some of the things that can be covered by an advance:

• a one-off item - eg replacing a broken fridge
• work-related expenses - eg buying uniform or tools
• unexpected expenses
• repairs to your home
• travel expenses
• maternity expenses
• funeral expenses
• moving costs or rent deposit
• essential items, like clothes

Utility bills unfortunately aren't covered.

If you are struggling with utility bills we have an advice section on it here: Government help with energy bills | Disability charity Scope UK

I hope we can help you find another avenue of support, as this isn't eligible for an advance 😕

garyaye123

Thank you for this will contact energy company just thought the money you get was to pay bills and food that’s all i use my money for don’t go out buying new clothes etc .this is not helping my mental state at the moment

Jimm_Scope

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/910007#Comment_910007

Ah, you can use the money on whatever you want. You can use it on your bills, or buying new clothes if you want. Just advances specifically only have certain accepted reasons.

garyaye123

Yeah i know that now just seems to be a stupid rule seeming that’s i spend it on oh well they will have to wait for three weeks and will go hungry mind you i do get some stuff from olio app but not that often

Kimmy87

Try your local authority who might have Household Support funds available

https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council

They should also be able to direct you to a food bank.