Universal Credit Hardship Payment: How to Apply
If your Universal Credit has been reduced or stopped because of a sanction or fraud penalty, you may qualify for a hardship payment.
A Universal Credit hardship payment helps cover essential living costs when you cannot afford them. It is usually repayable through deductions from future Universal Credit payments.
Quick answer: You can request a hardship payment through your Universal Credit journal, work coach or local Jobcentre. You can also call the Universal Credit helpline. If your application is accepted, the money usually reaches your bank account on the same day.
You must meet the eligibility rules and explain why you need financial help.
What Is a Universal Credit Hardship Payment?
A Universal Credit hardship payment is temporary financial help for people whose payments have been reduced or stopped because of a qualifying sanction or fraud penalty.
It can help pay for essential costs, including:
- Food and basic household supplies
- Heating and energy costs
- Hygiene products, nappies and laundry supplies
- Certain housing costs not covered by Universal Credit, such as eligible temporary accommodation costs
A hardship payment is not a grant. You normally have to repay it after your sanction or fraud penalty ends.
It is also different from a Budgeting Advance, which helps eligible claimants cover certain unexpected expenses.
Who Can Get a Universal Credit Hardship Payment?
You may qualify if your Universal Credit has been reduced or stopped because of a qualifying sanction or fraud penalty.
You must also show that you cannot afford essential living costs. Meeting the conditions does not guarantee approval.
Eligibility After a Universal Credit Sanction
If your payment was reduced because of a sanction, additional rules apply.
GOV.UK states that your sanction must be at 100% of your standard allowance, or at least 50% for a couple, for some period of time.
You and your partner, if applicable, must also have completed the required work-related activities during the seven days before applying. You must complete any activities required to end your sanction.
What Counts as Financial Hardship?
You must explain how the reduced payment affects your ability to meet basic needs.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may ask you to show that you have:
- Reduced spending on non-essential items.
- Checked whether other financial support is available.
- Explained which essential bills or household costs you cannot afford.
- Provided details of your income and savings.
You should give accurate information about your circumstances. Do not claim that you have no money if you have other income or savings.
If you are making a joint Universal Credit claim, both partners must agree to receive a hardship payment.
For more information about sanctions, see our Universal Credit sanctions guide.
How to Apply for a Universal Credit Hardship Payment
You can ask for a hardship payment through your Universal Credit journal, work coach or local Jobcentre. You can also call the Universal Credit helpline.
You must have received a lower or missed Universal Credit payment because of a qualifying sanction or fraud penalty before applying.
What Information Do You Need?
Prepare the following details before contacting the DWP:
- Your current income and savings.
- Your essential household expenses.
- The bills or basic needs you cannot afford.
- Steps you have taken to reduce non-essential spending.
- Other support you have tried to access.
Be clear about your immediate needs. For example, explain if you cannot afford food, heating or essential hygiene products.
The DWP will assess your circumstances and decide whether you qualify.
Can You Apply Through Your Universal Credit Journal?
Yes. You can use your online journal to ask your work coach or Universal Credit contact how to apply.
Sample journal message
Hello, my Universal Credit payment has been reduced because of a sanction or penalty. I am struggling to afford essential living costs, including food and household bills.
I have reduced my non-essential spending and checked other sources of support. However, I still cannot afford my basic needs.
Please explain how I can apply for a recoverable hardship payment and what information you need from me.
Thank you.
You can find more help with online messages in our Universal Credit journal guide.
How Much Is a Universal Credit Hardship Payment?
The amount depends on your circumstances and the applicable rules.
Citizens Advice describes the hardship payment as roughly 60% of the amount deducted because of a sanction. However, your actual award may differ, so do not treat this figure as a guaranteed payment.
The DWP will assess your eligibility and financial needs.
Your hardship payment is intended to help with essential costs. It does not automatically replace your full Universal Credit payment.
Can You Get More Than One Hardship Payment?
You may need to apply again if another Universal Credit payment is reduced or missed because of the sanction or penalty.
Each application must meet the eligibility conditions. An earlier approval does not guarantee that a later application will be accepted.
How Long Does a Universal Credit Hardship Payment Take?
If the DWP accepts your application, the money is usually paid directly into your bank account on the same day.
However, same-day payment is not guaranteed. Your application must first be assessed and accepted.
What If the Payment Has Not Arrived?
If you have been told your application was accepted but the money has not arrived, contact Universal Credit.
Check that your bank details are correct and ask whether the payment has been issued.
If you still cannot afford essentials while waiting, explain your immediate situation to the DWP and ask what support is available.
Do You Have to Repay a Universal Credit Hardship Payment?
Yes. A recoverable hardship payment normally has to be repaid after your sanction or fraud penalty ends.
The DWP usually collects repayment through deductions from future Universal Credit payments.
How Much Will Be Deducted?
GOV.UK states that deductions can be up to 15% of your standard allowance until the hardship payment is repaid.
Your standard allowance is the basic part of Universal Credit. It does not include extra amounts you may receive for other circumstances.
The actual deduction depends on your circumstances and applicable rules.
What If You Cannot Afford the Repayments?
Contact DWP Debt Management if the deductions leave you unable to afford essential living costs.
Explain your financial circumstances and ask what options are available.
If you no longer receive Universal Credit, DWP Debt Management will write to you with information about repayment.
Do not ignore repayment letters. Ask for help if you cannot afford the amount requested.
Do You Need to Apply Again?
Yes. You must reapply each time you receive a lower or missed Universal Credit payment because of a qualifying sanction or fraud penalty.
You must also show that you still meet the eligibility conditions.
Keep your financial information accurate and explain any changes to your income, savings or essential expenses.
What If Your Hardship Payment Application Is Refused?
If the DWP refuses your application, ask for the reason.
Check whether you supplied details of your essential costs, income, savings and attempts to find other support. Provide any missing information that may help explain your situation.
If you believe the decision is wrong, ask the DWP how to challenge it. You may be able to request a mandatory reconsideration.
Citizens Advice can help you understand your options. Approval is not guaranteed, but getting advice may help you identify the next step.
Universal Credit Hardship Payment vs Budgeting Advance
These payments serve different purposes.
| Feature | Hardship Payment | Budgeting Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Help with essential costs after a qualifying sanction or fraud penalty | Help with certain unexpected one-off expenses |
| Eligibility | Depends on the sanction or fraud penalty and hardship rules | Depends on separate eligibility rules |
| Repayment | Usually deducted from future Universal Credit payments | Usually repaid through future Universal Credit payments |
| When to consider it | When a qualifying reduction leaves you unable to afford basic needs | When you need help with an eligible one-off cost |
Do not apply for a Budgeting Advance expecting it to replace a hardship payment. The DWP assesses them under different rules.
Universal Credit Hardship Payment Phone Number
You can contact Universal Credit if you need help with a hardship payment application.
Universal Credit helpline: 0800 328 5644
Welsh-language helpline: 0800 328 1744
Relay UK: 18001 followed by 0800 328 5644
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
You can also contact Universal Credit through your online account or ask your work coach or local Jobcentre for guidance.
If you live in Northern Ireland, contact the Universal Credit Service Centre for the relevant arrangements.
For the latest official eligibility rules and application instructions, use the GOV.UK hardship payment guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Universal Credit hardship payment online?
Yes. You can use your Universal Credit journal to contact your work coach or Universal Credit team and ask how to apply.
You must meet the eligibility rules and provide information about your financial hardship.
Can I get a hardship payment if my Universal Credit is reduced to zero?
You may qualify if the reduction results from a qualifying sanction or fraud penalty. You must still meet the other eligibility conditions.
A zero payment alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Do you get a hardship payment on the same day?
If your application is accepted, payment is usually made directly into your bank account on the same day. However, this is not guaranteed.
How many hardship payments can you get on Universal Credit?
There is no guarantee of repeated payments. You must reapply after each lower or missed payment caused by a qualifying sanction or fraud penalty, and the DWP will assess whether you still qualify.
Is a Universal Credit hardship payment a loan?
It is a recoverable payment, so you normally have to repay it. The DWP usually takes deductions from future Universal Credit payments.
What should I do if I cannot afford food or heating?
Contact Universal Credit and explain which essential costs you cannot meet. Ask about a hardship payment if your Universal Credit has been reduced or stopped because of a qualifying sanction or fraud penalty.
You can also ask your local council or a recognised advice service about other emergency support.