Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make it his policy to ensure that everyone making a claim for universal credit is told that they can apply for an advance payment.

Universal Credit provides a conversation with all claimants at their initial work search interview to gauge their potential support needs – this could include money advice with a mix of online, telephone and face to face support. If eligible claimants say they are in financial need, an Advance will be made available.

We continue to raise awareness of Advances in different ways, for example, by providing options on the UC Helpline, and signposting this vital support through the new “Universal Credit & You” guide for claimants and the new online Money Manager tool offered by the Money Advice Service.