Social Fund Budgeting Loan Calculator 2026
Calculate your Social Fund Budgeting Loan eligibility. Interest-free loan up to £812 (single) or £1,500 (with children) for people on qualifying benefits for 6+ months.
Social Fund Budgeting Loan Eligibility Calculator
A Budgeting Loan is an interest-free loan from the government for people on qualifying benefits. You repay it from future benefit payments (usually over 104 weeks).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Social Fund Budgeting Loan?
A Budgeting Loan is an interest-free government loan for people who have been receiving qualifying benefits for 6+ months. You repay it from future benefit payments over up to 104 weeks. It is not a grant — you must repay it.
How much can I borrow with a Budgeting Loan?
Single person or couple: up to £812. Families with children or disability: up to £1,500. The minimum is £100. The actual amount depends on your needs, existing DWP debts, and ability to repay within 104 weeks.
What benefits qualify for a Budgeting Loan?
You must have been receiving for 26+ weeks: Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, or Pension Credit. Universal Credit claimants use Budgeting Advances instead (different amounts: single £384, couple £566, with children £812).
What can I use a Budgeting Loan for?
Furniture, white goods, clothing, footwear, rent in advance, removal expenses, fuel connection charges, travel costs for job hunting, maternity or funeral expenses, home improvements, and childcare costs.
How long do I have to repay a Budgeting Loan?
Up to 104 weeks (2 years). DWP will deduct repayments automatically from your benefit payments. The standard deduction is up to 25% of your benefit, but you can negotiate a lower amount if it causes hardship.
Will getting a Budgeting Loan affect my benefits?
No — a Budgeting Loan does not count as income and does not affect your benefit entitlement.
What is the difference between a Budgeting Loan and a Budgeting Advance?
They work the same way (interest-free, repaid from benefits) but for different benefit claimants. Budgeting Loan: for legacy benefit claimants (Income Support, ESA, JSA, Pension Credit). Budgeting Advance: for Universal Credit claimants.
How do I apply for a Budgeting Loan?
Apply online at gov.uk or complete form SF500 (available from Jobcentre Plus). You will need your National Insurance number and details of your benefit claim. DWP aims to decide within 12 days of receiving your application.