Advance Payment of Benefit
If you are getting a benefit and have an immediate need for something essential you may be able to get an advance payment of your benefit.
We generally pay the supplier for the goods or services you need (eg appliances, furniture, bedding, rent or school uniforms).
You’ll need to pay us back but may be able to do this in instalments.
Who can get it
You may get an Advance Payment of Benefit if you:
- have an immediate and essential need
- are receiving a benefit.
It also depends on:
- how much you and your spouse or partner earn
- any money or assets you and your spouse or partner have.
This information is a guide only. Contact us to talk about your individual circumstances.
How we work with you
We want to make sure everyone receiving a hardship payment is also getting help with managing their money to improve their situation.
One or two payments a year
If you are applying for hardship payments once or twice a year and have a Payment Card, you may be able to apply over the phone. You'll only be able to use your Payment Card for food at this time.
The current eligibility criteria for payment of a hardship grant will continue to apply. Your financial need must be both immediate and essential. In granting hardship assistance, we will consider the effect on you if you cannot pay for the item immediately.
Three, four, or five payments a year
If you need to get a hardship payment three to five times over 12 months you will have to:
- go into a service centre to apply
- show you have taken reasonable steps to increase your income, reduce your costs, or improve your financial management. This could include arranging automatic payments for bills, consolidating debt to reduce repayment costs and cancelling non-essential payments or services
- show you have taken some budgeting steps, like completing your own budget or seeking advice from budgeting services.
The things you are required to do will depend on your individual needs.
If you don’t meet these additional requirements you may be declined further assistance.
Six or more payments a year
The sixth time you apply for hardship assistance in a 12 month period you will have an intensive interview with a case manager. Any grants you apply for will have to be approved by a Service Centre Manager.
How to apply
Contact us to talk about your circumstances and we’ll explain how to apply. We’ll normally arrange a meeting with you and will tell you what you need to bring.
