GOV.UK
Budgeting Loans
Apply
Check you’re eligible before you apply.
If you get Universal Credit you cannot get a Budgeting Loan. You’ll need to apply for a Budgeting Advance instead.
You can apply online or using the paper form.
You must use the paper form if you’re an appointee applying on behalf of someone else.
There’s a different way to apply in Northern Ireland.
Apply using the paper form
You will need to fill in form SF500. You can:
- download and print the form
- pick it up from your nearest Jobcentre Plus
- phone the Social Fund and ask for a form to be posted to you - allow 5 working days for the form to arrive
Social Fund
Telephone: 0800 169 0140
Welsh language: 0800 169 0240
NGT text relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0140
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Return your completed form by post or hand it in to your local Jobcentre Plus.
After you apply
You’ll get a letter telling you if you’ve been offered a loan within:
- 20 working days if you apply online
- 25 working days if you apply by post
You must sign page 4 of the acceptance letter and return it if you want to accept the loan. Return it to the address on the letter.
You’ll then receive the money within 12 working days. It’ll be paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.
Questions about your application
Call the Social Fund if you have a question about the progress of your application.
Allow 20 working days before phoning if you return your form by post (it may not have been processed before then).