Universal Credit is usually paid:

• once a month in England and Wales
• once a month in Scotland, but you can ask for twice a month
• twice a month in Northern Ireland, but you can ask for once a month.

After you’ve received your first Universal Credit payment, it’s paid on the same dates. If this falls on a bank holiday, you’ll usually get the money the working day before.  

If you (or your partner if you’re a couple) are struggling for money, you can ask for an interest-free loan called a Budgeting Advance – usually after you’ve claimed Universal Credit for at least six months in a row. 

See our guides for more help:

• Help managing your money if you receive benefits
• Budgeting Advances and Budgeting loans
• Help if you’re struggling with debt