Budgeting Loans
After you apply
After you apply you’ll be given a decision on your application. You need to accept the decision before you get your money.
If you apply online, you’ll find out if you’ve been offered a loan within:
- 7 days if you get the decision by text or email
- 21 days if you get the decision by letter
If you apply by post, you’ll get a letter telling you if you’ve been offered a loan within 21 days.
Accepting the loan
How you accept the loan depends on how you applied.
Accept online
You can accept the loan offer online by following the instructions in the text or email.
Accept by post
You can accept by signing page 4 of the acceptance letter and returning it in the pre-paid envelope provided. Make sure the reply slip is folded so that the return address is fully visible in the envelope window.
Return it to the address on the letter. Do not send it to your local Jobcentre Plus office as this may delay getting your loan.
Getting your money
You’ll get your money within:
- 7 days of accepting the loan offer online
- 21 days of your loan offer acceptance being received by post
If you applied online, the money will be paid into the same bank, building society or credit union account that your benefit is paid into.
If you applied by post, the money will be paid into the account you put on the form.
You’ll get a text message confirming this has been done.
Questions about your application
Call the Social Fund Enquiry Line if you have a question about the progress of your application.
You should wait:
- 14 days before phoning if you applied online
- 21 days before phoning if you applied by post
Your application may not have been processed before then.
Social Fund Enquiry Line
Telephone: 0800 169 0140
Textphone: 0800 169 286
Welsh language: 0800 169 0240
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0140
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
If you disagree with a decision
You can ask for a Budgeting Loan decision to be looked at again if:
- your application was unsuccessful, and you think that’s wrong
- you’ve been granted a Budgeting Loan, but you disagree with the amount
Write to the address at the top of your decision letter. If you do not have your decision letter, contact the Social Fund Enquiry Line for details.
You should include:
- your full name
- your National Insurance number
- your address and phone number
- the reasons why you disagree with the decision
Your request must arrive within 28 days of the date on your decision letter.
What happens next
You’ll get a letter telling you whether the decision has changed or not, and explaining the reasons why.
If you’re unhappy with the response you can ask the office of the Independent Case Examiner for a review.
Your request must arrive within 28 days of the date on your second decision letter.