A Universal Credit Budgeting Advance is a repayable loan to help with an essential one-off cost, such as furniture, household appliances or travel for work; it is not an extra benefit payment. You usually need to have received Universal Credit for at least six months, although there are exceptions if the money will help you start or stay in work, and income and other conditions apply. Repayments are normally taken automatically from future Universal Credit payments, so check that you can manage the reduced amount. Apply through your Universal Credit account or contact the official GOV.UK Universal Credit service, which will decide whether you qualify and how much may be available.