Universal Credit is paid into a bank account and so you will need to set one up if you don't have one already.

The payment is monthly in arrears and, in practice, you will not receive a payment for at least five weeks after making a claim. You can ask for a benefit advance if you are unable to manage during that period, but you will have to be repay it out of your benefit over a maximum of 24 months for claims made from 12 April 2021. If you made a claim before 12 April 2021, you will have to be repay it out of your benefit over a maximum of 12 months.

More information about advance payments, including how to apply, is available on the GOV.UK website.

For more information watch our Universal Credits Key Facts video:

Budgeting support and help with setting up a bank account

The Money Advice Service has some useful online resources to help you manage your monthly Universal Credit payment and set up a bank account, including:

• Money Manager for Universal Credit Claimants
• Budget planner
• How to open a bank account (video)

The council's Universal Support Team also provides assistance with personal budgeting support and offers face to face appointments for Greenwich residents who are struggling to manage their Universal Credit claim and finances. Check the 'How To Claim' page for more information.