Coronavirus Financial Support

Southway Housing relies entirely on rental income in order to operate and provide tenants with homes. Our current rent policy allows flexibility around unforeseen circumstances, however we are not in a position to offer widespread rent breaks.

To provide some relief during this time, the Government has released emergency funds, which are being used both to directly finance people who are struggling and to fund organisations offering practical support in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Social Housing tenants can claim benefits including housing costs as soon as your circumstances change (i.e. if you are let go from work or become sick). Please see Southway support and further guidance on claiming below.

If you usually pay your rent manually but can not during this time, remember there are plenty of ways to pay (click here) Our Southway Support section below provides more information on how we can help you pay.

Anyone unable to work because they are self-isolating can claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from day one of isolation. This includes people who do not have Coronavirus but are in the same household as someone else with symptoms.

You can get a temporary fit note by calling NHS 111.

The Government also confirmed that benefit reviews and reassessments have been suspended for three months.

Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sick-pay-from-day-one-for-those-affected-by-coronavirus

New style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is also now payable from the first day of sickness, rather than the eighth day, for people directly affected by coronavirus or self-isolating according to government advice.

You can also apply for ESA online if you are not already claiming Universal Credit (although anyone unable to use the new online service may still apply by phone). If you already have a live claim for Universal Credit, you should use your online journal to contact your work coach about applying for new style ESA.

Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/eligibility

Jobcentre appointments are suspended for three months, as of the 19th March 2020.

If you need to make a new claim for Universal Credit and access an advance payment, you will not need to visit the Jobcentre to do this. 

Read more here: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

The DWP has suspended all face to face health assessments for health and disability benefits.

If you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) you will be contacted with advice on any action you need to take. New claims are also being accepted.

Read more here: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

 

The minimum income floor for Universal Credit has been temporarily relaxed for the duration of the outbreak, for those directly affected by Coronavirus or self-isolating.

Also, Video Relay Service (VRS) has now been extended to customers claiming Universal Credit. Over the coming months VRS will be further extended into all DWP services. VRS is already available for British Sign Language (BSL) people who claim DWP disability benefits as well as Access to Work.

VRS enables BSL people to contact DWP via a BSL interpreter. The customer uses a video link accessed through their own computer, smartphone or tablet. The interpreter will then speak to a DWP agent relaying the conversation by phone. There is no need for anyone to be in the same location and the customer does not have to book the service in advance.

This means that the customer and DWP agent can have a telephone conversation in real time. 

Read more here: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

 

The DWP and Post Office have launched a joint initiative to deliver cash benefit payments directly to homes of claimants most at risk from coronavirus.

This new cash delivery option is initially available to Post Office Card Account customers in England who are shielding at home due to risk from the virus. Account holders will be contacted to ensure they can regularly access their payments and discuss the suitability of this option.

Read more here: http://corporate.postoffice.co.uk/our-media-centre#/pressreleases/post-office-launches-new-cash-delivery-option-to-help-the-most-vulnerable-2993187

 

Manchester residents can now apply for Discretionary Housing Benefit online. To apply, you must be in receipt of either Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with housing element.

Read more here:

https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/200008/benefits_and_support/1342/discretionary_housing_payments 

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has suspended all action in recovering benefit overpayments, tax credit debt and social fund loans.

Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/recovery-of-benefit-overpayment-suspended

Disability benefit awards which are due for reassessment in the next three months will be automatically extended by six months, the government has confirmed.

PIP assessments which took place before the COVID-19 measures took effect will be processed as normal.

Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-update-benefit-reviews-and-reassessments-suspended

The Government announced the new Self-employment Income Support Scheme, which offers self-employed people a grant of 80% of their trading profits up to £2,500 per month for three months.

Payments for this scheme are expected to be made in June; if you are worried about your financial situation until then, we encourage you to contact us.

Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

 

If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax because of Coronavirus, you may qualify for Council Tax support. Email ctax.enquiries@manchester.gov.uk so that the Counciil can ensure you are getting the support you need, including any benefits to which you are entitled.

The Council may be able to agree a special payment plan which means you do not pay anything until July this year.

Read more here: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500181/council_tax_support

 

 

The Government’s voucher scheme for free school meals is live from Monday 20th April.

All parents and carers of children entitled to means-tested free school meals, or are classed as an asylum seeker household supported by the Home Office, should contact their school to receive support via this scheme.

Households who do not have an existing entitlement to Free School Meals, but are experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19, may still be able to get support via this scheme. 

Read more here:

https://www.southwayhousing.co.uk/news-events/coronavirus/governments-free-school-meal-voucher-scheme-goes-live/

 

If you are struggling to pay for gas and electricity, Manchester City Council may pay upwards of £30 for you to have emergency fuel or avoid disconnection from your supplier.

Call Manchester City Council directly on 0800 234 6123 to enquire.

Read more here: https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/200008/benefits_and_support/6300/help_in_fuel_poverty

A number of energy suppliers are offering help to customers who may be struggling to pay their utility bills due to coronavirus.

More information on this here: https://www.southwayhousing.co.uk/news-events/coronavirus/covid-19-and-energy-costs/

We are still providing 1-2-1 financial advice, and support to make Universal Credit Claims. We will not be attending face to face appointments but are still able to support you in all the usual areas over the phone or via email.

If you'd like advice on money matters such as welfare and benefits, paying rent, and employment, please email the Advice team or call 0161 448 4200.

If you’d like help with making a Universal Credit Claim, email Nadine or call 0161 448 4200.

For further information on our services please see:

Financial support 
Universal Credit support 

 

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in scams, with criminals posing as governing bodies or offering to sell Covid-19 tests or cures to make money.

It is more important than ever that we remain vigilant against scammers to protect ourselves and others. To stay safe from scams, we recommend: 

• Visiting trustworthy sources for Coronavirus updates, such as Gov.uk, the NHS and BBC News
• Not clicking on links sent to you via text or email from someone you don't know, regardless of what the message says
• Refusing to send money or your bank details to anyone in exchange for a promise of quick cash
• Reporting potential scams to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040

For more information on staying safe from Coronavirus scams, visit Friends Against Scams, Citizens Advice and the Financial Conduct Authority. 

 

For more financial advice, we recommend the following sources: 

Support for those affected by Covid-19 - Gov.uk

Coronavirus and claiming benefits - Understanding Universal Credit 

Coronavirus: employment rights and sick pay - House of Commons Library

Employment & self employment Coronavirus help - Money Saving Expert

Coronavirus: what it means for you - Citizens Advice