We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Get a benefit advance if you've applied for a benefit for the first time and cannot afford to wait for the first payment
You may be able to get an advance on your first benefit payment if you’re…
There’s separate guidance if you’ve applied for Universal Credit and need…
If you don’t have enough to live on while you wait for your first payment you may be able to get an advance of your first Universal Credit payment.
Interest-free loans from the government for some people on benefits: how to apply, check if you're eligible
A Budgeting Loan can help pay for: furniture or household items (for…
To get a Budgeting Loan you must have been getting one or more of these…
The lowest amount you can borrow is £100. You could get up to: £348 if…
A Budgeting Loan is interest free so you only pay back what you borrow.…
Check you’re eligible before you apply for a Budgeting Loan. You can apply…
After you apply you’ll be given a decision on your application. You need…
You may be able to get other kinds of support, including: help from your…
Benefits that are available to you and how to apply for them.
Find out about the ways people can make certain decisions for you or do certain things on your behalf
Apply to study English language in the UK with a Short-term study visa. Check fees, eligibility, documents you need and how to apply.
Guidance on getting extra payments to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits.
Apply for Carer's Allowance - money to help you look after someone who needs to be cared for. Apply online or use form DS700.
Benefit payments - payment dates, bank holidays, if you do not have a bank account, Post Office card accounts.
If you're terminally ill and might not live longer than 12 months, you may be able to get some benefits at a higher rate.
Guidance on getting an extra payment to help with the cost of living if you were entitled to certain benefits or tax credits in 2022.
Incapacity Benefit is help if you could not work because of an illness or disability before 31 January 2011 - it's being replaced with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Tax and reporting rules for employers providing loans to employees
Find out about help you can get moving from benefits to work - work trials, programmes and clubs, New Enterprise Allowance, help with drug or alcohol problems, carer support
Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance (LHA) - rates, eligibility, claim form, calculator, appeals, 'Discretionary Housing Payment'.
Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months), medical treatment and other activities. Find out whether you need a Standard Visitor visa, or can visit without a visa.
Universal Credit is replacing 6 other benefits with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income - eligibility, how to prepare.
What to do if you go into hospital and you get benefits
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.