Short Term Benefit Advance - How do I claim a Short Term Benefit Advance?

You will need to declare your need for a Short Term Benefit Advance to the relevant contact centre or an adviser in your local jobcentre. They will then send a Short Term Benefit Advance request to the benefit centre to be decided.

In England, Scotland and Wales

For Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance and Jobseeker's Allowance, you can ask for a Short Term Benefit Advance at your Jobcentre of phone Jobcentre Plus:

• Telephone: 0800 169 0310
• Textphone: 0800 169 0314
• Video relay service for users of British Sign Language
• Welsh language line: 0800 169 0207

For Carer's Allowance, phone the helpline:

• Telephone: 0800 731 0297
• Textphone: 0800 731 0317
• Video relay service for users of British Sign Language 

For Pension Credit or State Pension, phone the Pension Service:

• Telephone: 0800 731 0469
• Textphone: 0800 731 0464
• Video relay service for users of British Sign Language
• Welsh language line: 0800 731 0453
• Welsh language textphone: 0800 731 0456

In Northern Ireland

For Carer's Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit or State Pension, contact the Finance Support Service:

• Telephone: 0800 587 2750
• Textphone: 0800 587 2751
• Online or using British or Irish Sign Language

For Pension Credit or State Pension, phone the Northern Ireland Pension Centre:

• Telephone: 0800 587 0892
• Textphone: 0808 100 2198
• Online or using British or Irish Sign Language 

What documents will I need to claim a Short Term Benefit Advance?

Details of the benefits you are currently claiming (for example Jobseeker's Allowance), along with your National Insurance number and bank account details.

When will my Short Term Benefit Advance claim begin?

The Department for Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus or Pensions Service will tell you when you will be paid. It is usually paid the same day the Short-term Benefit Advance request is made or the next working day. It will be paid into your bank or Post Office account

If you do not have a telephone to receive a call back, you should provide an alternative contact method. This could be a friend or family member's phone number. You can also ask to be contacted through your local Jobcentre.

If you are eligible you will usually get the Short Term Benefit Advance the next working day after making a claim.