ClaimGuide Team: Your first Universal Credit payment is usually made about five weeks after you submit your claim, although the timing can vary if checks or appointments take longer. After that, payments are normally made monthly, based on your assessment period and payment date shown in your online account. If you are struggling financially while waiting, you can ask through your journal about an advance, but this is a repayable loan and deductions will usually be taken from future payments. Check your online account or the official GOV.UK guidance for updates.