Coronavirus and Claiming Benefits

Coronavirus and Claiming Benefits

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Claiming Benefits

If you think your income is going to be reduced as a result of the Coronavirus you can apply for Universal Credit (UC) and you should do this right away.   Attached is a link from the DWP about UC and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

• https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

• To claim UC you will need an email account. If you do not have one here is the link for a GMAIL account.

https://support.google.com/mail/answer/56256?hl=en-GB

• For the UC claim You will need to set up a Username and Password. You will also need to set up 2 security questions. Should you decide to write it down, to help you remember, keep it in a safe place.

• Note: if you are IN receipt of TAX Credits, Either Child or Working and you claim UC, these TAX Credits will stop.

• UC includes a Housing Element to cover your rent.

• You need to claim online. If you cannot do this there is a free phone number 0800 328 5644.  If you cannot get through contact our office.

Current UC Claims – You do not need to attend the Job Centre

• You not have to attend Jobcentre appointments for three months, people will continue to receive their benefits as normal. 

• Jobcentres remain open, and will continue to support people who are not able to use phones and online, including homeless people; and

Help with Fuel Costs

If you are struggling with the cost to top up your energy pre-payment meters you can speak to Money Matters for advice.

Need to Self-Isolate and have a meter payment meter?

 If you need to Self-Isolate and need your prepayment meter needs topped up phone your energy provider.  They may be able to send our new cards.   This is an evolving issue and if you have any queries please contact the office as we may have more information.

 Money Matter Appointments – These will be carried out over the phone.

• If you need a form such as PIP or UC50 complete post it through the main office letter box at the side entrance. Should you decide to sign the form, it means that when we complete it, over the phone, we can post it on for you.
• If you require a Mandatory Re-considerations, our Money Matters adviser will phone you to complete the form and post it to you to sign. You will then need to post it to the DWP.
• All medical assessments have been cancelled as from 17/03/2020 for at least 3 months – anyone who has appointment after this date will be advised of this.  Decisions will be made on information provided on form and any medical evidence that has been included. DWP may phone client for further information, however if they receive no reply decision will be made on information provided in applications
• If unable to hand in form to be completed or letters to be looked at , client should phone relevant department on letter advising they are unable to complete form and request extension .