Short Term Benefit Advance

Client a pensioner Pension Credit Guarantee withdrawn whilst alligation of fraud is investigated. Client only has SRP of £51 a week to live on Looking at Short Term Benefit Advance but it only mentions universal credit claimants. How do we get a Short Term Ben Advance. Is there anything else she could qualify for. Thanks Deej

short-term benefit advances can be paid for any dwp means tested or contributory benefit BUT only whilst waiting for payment on a new claim, waiting for increase in amount of benefit to be processed or dwp have messed up and cant pay you in time plus proving without it you will be in financial need and argeeing to the dwp repayment terms.

Therefore will not apply to your client

As above, thought worth bearing in mind reg 5(1)(b)

“it appears to the Secretary of State likely that the conditions of entitlement for benefit are satisfied”

Even if all other conditions satisfied, if there is fraud investigation ongoing etc. I think it unlikely STBA would be awarded.

Alternatives could include help from LA if local LA runs a hardship provision scheme, or local charity/food bank perhaps?

If client has any disabilities, AA could be a longer-term option.

... and, depending on the nature of the allegations, may still qualify for HB and CTR on low income grounds.