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When the first Universal Credit payment usually arrives
In Great Britain, GOV.UK says a first Universal Credit payment usually takes around five weeks. The first monthly assessment period starts on the claim date. Payment is usually seven days after that period ends.
Sources checked
- Claim dateThe first monthly assessment period begins.
- One monthly periodThe first assessment period ends and the next begins.
- Usually seven days laterThe first payment is due.
- ThereafterThe ordinary monthly payment date repeats, subject to weekend and bank holiday shifts.
A monthly assessment period starts on the claim date. The first payment usually follows seven days after that period ends.
The date of the claim sets the first assessment period
GOV.UK uses an example of a claim made on 10 September. Its first assessment period runs through 9 October and the payment arrives on 17 October. Use the month-based assessment period rather than treating five weeks as an exact number of days for every claim. Source 1
The normal payment date repeats each month
Once the first payment date is set, GOV.UK says subsequent payments are normally made on the same date each month. Where the date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payment comes on the previous working day. The online statement shows the amount. Source 1
Scotland offers a choice after the first payment
People living in Scotland can choose once- or twice-monthly payments. A new claimant gets the choice after the first payment. For the twice-monthly arrangement, GOV.UK says the first payment covers a full month, followed a month later by half of the second payment and the other half 15 days after that. Source 1
An advance can help during the first wait
GOV.UK says people who need money while waiting can apply for an advance. It is a separate route from the ordinary assessment and payment schedule. Check the current advance terms before choosing it. Source 1