Recommendation 18

Even with starter payments of the kind we have recommended, we anticipate that some claimants would still need to ask for an Advance to cover their immediate 80 Universal Credit: the wait for a first payment costs. But some claimants might no longer need to ask for an Advance, and others would ask for a much smaller Advance than they currently receive. A request for a substantial Advance in these circumstances would be a clear indication that someone is struggling with the transition to Universal Credit. The Department should use this as an opportunity to support these claimants at the earliest possible stage.