Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government by what methods they make it generally known that Universal Credit applicants can ask for 50 per cent advances, or other forms of emergency assistance, when faced with serious cash problems.

Any need for an advance payment or other financial or budgeting support is established at the outset of a claim for Universal Credit. In the initial new claim interview, work coaches are trained to offer personal budgeting support and assess whether claimants need help to manage until their first Universal Credit payment. We have taken steps to increase awareness of this support by amending guidance to ensure that claimants are aware at the start of their claim of the maximum amount they can receive and repayment period as an advance.