Short Term Benefit Advance

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In certain circumstances you can apply for an advance of your benefit payment if you have an urgent financial need that will have a direct impact of the health, safety or wellbeing of your health or your family’s health.

Crisis loans were abolished in Northern Ireland in November 2016.

You can ask for a short term benefit advance of the following benefits:

  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit
  • State Pension
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Bereavement Allowance
  • Widowed Parent's Allowance
  • Maternity Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit

There are only certain circumstances when you can apply for a short term advance of these benefits. This includes making a new or repeat claim or you have reported a change in your circumstances that will lead to an increase in the amount of benefit that you receive.

This advance must be repaid within 12 weeks.

How to apply for a Short Term Benefit Advance

The application for a short term benefit advance is carried out over the phone through Finance Support.

You can contact them via Freephone on:

Phone: 0800 587 2750

Text number: 0800 587 2751 (for customers with hearing difficulties only)

Further Information

For more information about a short term benefit advance visit NI Direct or speak to a benefits advisor.