Do you think this is an acceptable reason for a Budgeting Advance?

jperalta98
jperalta98 Online Community Member Posts: 12 Connected
edited January 2022 in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi all. Been on UC for about 18 months now, and am on the LCWRA rates.

Had a prior budgeting advance and have since paid that off.

Recently my laptop has broken and getting it repaired is now too costly. I have sent in a message in my UC journal requesting an advance to help me get another

(I know they absolutely will not cover luxury items, but to me a laptop is essential)

I made a point of saying that due to my Anxiety and panic disorder I am unable to use and therefore do not own a mobile phone and so a laptop is needed so I can keep up with my UC account, online banking, keeping in contact with my GP and regularly renewing my prescriptions for my medications as well as participating in mental health support groups.

My question is do you think this is an acceptable reason and am I likely to be succesful? It's kinda hard for me to prove its an essential item. (I previously had a budgeting advance last September to pay for repairs on the laptop (roughly 150£) but that was approved by my work coach and since I don't have a coach any more I'm not sure what to do.

Thanks

Comments

  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    Hello @jperalta98

    Thanks for posting, I hope you are well.

    I am unsure of how likely this is to be approved, but I would hope that if an advance was authorised for repairs on a laptop, then they might be okay with you getting a new one given how essential it is for you to manage your conditions.

    Getting a new laptop sounds exciting, what brand are you looking at getting?
  • jperalta98
    jperalta98 Online Community Member Posts: 12 Connected
    Hello @jperalta98

    Thanks for posting, I hope you are well.

    I am unsure of how likely this is to be approved, but I would hope that if an advance was authorised for repairs on a laptop, then they might be okay with you getting a new one given how essential it is for you to manage your conditions.

    Getting a new laptop sounds exciting, what brand are you looking at getting?
    Thanks, Ross! I'm not even looking to buy a new one, just a good condition second hand one :)

    Thanks for the reply!