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If you have been looking for some extra amount to meet the unexpected expenses, you should claim the budgeting advance. Budgeting advance is just an additional amount which you can claim if you are already getting Universal credit benefits from the government.
It was started by the UK government to ensure that citizens can live a life which is healthy and above the basic standard. Making the living easier for the citizens, the budgeting advance is an essential step by the UK government.
You can avail the budgeting advance for the time when your universal credit amount is yet to be received.
What are the things covered under the budgeting advance?
Budgeting advance comes with a wide range of things that it covers. You can avail of the advance if you are looking to repair your TV or broken fridge once in the year. It can also be claimed for homer repair or to support your expenses that were not foreseen.
If you are working somewhere, you will still be eligible to seek the advance for work-related expenses like purchasing the uniform. In case of travel and maternity, claiming the advance is even easier.
Funeral expenses come under the purview of the advance.
Are there any conditions for getting the advance?
The budgeting advance can be claimed if you have claimed the essential benefits scheme for at least 6 months like the Universal Credit Scheme, Job Seeker’s Allowance or Income support.
There is a pay matrix which is important for claiming the advance. Your income should not be more than 2,600 pounds over the six months in cumulative. In case you are a couple who is applying for the advance, the amount should not cross 3,600 pounds.
One important thing to note is that you are not eligible for the advance if you are still repaying the previous budgeting advance. Once the previous budgeting advance is cleared off, you are eligible for the new advance.
How much money can you get for the advance?
The amount for the budgeting advance can be as low as 100 pounds. It doesn’t have any maximum limit, depending on your requirements. If you are single and are having no children, you can get the advance of up to 348 pounds. For the couples without children and with children the amount is capped at 464 pounds and 812 pounds respectively.
How to apply for an advance?
Applying for the advance is the easiest thing. For the advance, all you need is the universal credit account. After you have decided to avail of the advance, you need to either call them or mail them with the details.
What to do if my advance request has been declined?
If your advance request has been declined, unfortunately, you don’t have any power of challenging the decision. You can always ask them to look into the decision so that you can prevent yourself from making the same mistake again. If you are a UK citizen and fall under the eligibility criteria of the advance, you must make the best use of this.
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