Advanced Payments (UC) Repay

LM28

Hi,

I’ve recently put my advanced payment loans on hold (via UC) and that time period is now coming to an end. I’ve asked my work coach if I could put them on hold for another three months but they explained that they can’t. I also asked if I could still pay the money back but in reduced amounts and this was also declined. Does anyone have anymore information or knowledge about this / support I can access to do with this?

Thank you

poppy123456

I believe they can only delay advanced payment repayment for up to 3 months. They will only reduce the amount if you're experiencing financial hardship.

You can ask for a smaller deduction if the amount your Universal Credit is being reduced means you don't have enough money to live on. You might have Universal Credit deduction for:

• a benefit debt
• a Social Fund loan
• rent arrears

You'll need to show the DWP that you don't have enough to live on - this is called financial hardship. You'll need to give them a financial statement showing your income and what you spend your money on. You'll also need to show you can't meet your basic living costs with the current rate of deduction. You can send this information through your online journal or in a letter if you don't have an online account.

See link.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/problems-with-your-payment/if-your-payment-is-stopped-or-reduced/

LM28

Thanks very much Poppy. Really appreciate your time and thorough response here! That all makes complete sense. Will move forward appropriately and provide financial evidence via my journal. Thanks again!