A charity has called for the abolition of the five week wait for vulnerable benefit claimants to receive Universal Credit.
Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) found nearly half of people in a survey had racked up debt to get through the tough period.
The Daily Record has run a series on Universal Credit based on CAS research involving 600 people.
During the initial five week wait for the first payment, claimants can borrow cash or secure an advance from the UK Government.
If they opt for an advance to tide them over, the money is recovered from future Universal Credit payments.
The survey found 48% of people saying they had taken on debt during this difficult period.
Of those who borrowed, 65% said they will find it difficult to repay the loan.
CAS found singletons, homeless people, and folk without a final wage were more likely to require loans during the five week wait.
Glen, who is between 18 and 24 years old, told CAS how he struggled with the delay to his first payment.
“I didn’t know about the five week wait until I talked to CAB. You just have to rob Peter to pay Paul whilst you’re waiting for your payment to come through.”
He was also concerned about the stress the five week wait could place on relationships.
“I had to rely on my girlfriend and that’s not right. We are good, but it could put a strain on some relationships. There should be an emergency first payment that you don’t have to pay back.”
CAS Social Justice spokesperson Nina Ballantyne said: “The five week wait punishes the most vulnerable; those without savings and without family or friends to borrow from and those who are paid weekly who don’t have a final monthly salary payment to rely on. Many are also reluctant to take on additional debt.
"People we spoke to said they had no choice but to take on debt from an advance payment or struggle hand to mouth during the five week wait because they had nowhere else to turn.
“Abolishing the five week wait and replacing it with a non-repayable grant would level up Universal Credit to function as an immediate social security safety net.”
Scottish Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy said: “Applying for money to simply make ends meet is stressful itself, having to wait a gruelling 5 weeks is cruelty.
“These findings expose the harsh reality of this unfair rule – and the stress, debt, and poverty it forces on people.
“The UK government urgently need to reform Universal Credit, scrapping the five week wait and protecting the uplift.”
A DWP spokesperson said: “With Universal Credit, no one has to wait five weeks for their money as urgent payments are available. Claimants taking an advance can spread 25 benefit payments across 24 months, double the previous time period.
“Our dedicated Work Coaches can refer claimants to more specialist support for personal budgeting, money guidance and debt advice if required.
“We are committed to ensuring it’s as straightforward as possible to claim Universal Credit, and will continue to work with Citizens Advice Scotland and our Help to Claim service, to offer quick advice to those who need it.”
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