In certain circumstances you can apply for an advance of your benefit payment if you have an urgent financial need that will have a direct impact of the health, safety or wellbeing of your health or your family’s health.
Crisis loans were abolished in Northern Ireland in November 2016.
You can ask for a short term benefit advance of the following benefits:
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- State Pension
- Carer’s Allowance
- Bereavement Allowance
- Widowed Parent's Allowance
- Maternity Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
There are only certain circumstances when you can apply for a short term advance of these benefits. This includes making a new or repeat claim or you have reported a change in your circumstances that will lead to an increase in the amount of benefit that you receive.
This advance must be repaid within 12 weeks.
How to apply for a Short Term Benefit Advance
The application for a short term benefit advance is carried out over the phone through Finance Support.
You can contact them via Freephone on:
Phone: 0800 587 2750
Text number: 0800 587 2751 (for customers with hearing difficulties only)
Further Information
For more information about a short term benefit advance visit NI Direct or speak to a benefits advisor.