As well as staying safe during this COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that you also look after your financial health.
Here we summarise the information from the Department of Work and Pensions on claiming benefits. Please see this link and check back regularly as it is subject to change and updates: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus.
For the latest health information and advice see the NHS pages on coronavirus.
If you have any questions about your loans or savings with the Credit Union please contact us, ideally using our online services, which are available 24/7 or by phone, although please be aware our office hours may need to change.
If you’re in work and not claiming benefits
If you cannot work due to coronavirus and are eligible for Statutory Sick Pay you will get it from day one, rather than from the fourth day of your illness. DWP intends to legislate so this measure applies retrospectively from 13 March 2020.
Statutory Sick Pay will be payable if you are staying at home on Government advice, not just if you are infected by coronavirus. This will apply from 13 March 2020.
If you are a gig worker and/or on a zero hours contract, you may be entitled to sick pay. Check your eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay.
If you need to provide evidence to your employer that you need to stay at home due to coronavirus, you will soon be able to get it from NHS 111 Online instead of having to get a Fit Note from your doctor. This is currently under development and will be available soon.
If you are not eligible to receive sick pay you can apply for Universal Credit and/or apply for New Style Employment and Support Allowance.
You can also apply for these if you are prevented from working because of a risk to public health.
If you’re already claiming benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions has taken the precautionary decision to temporarily suspend all face-to-face assessments for health and disability-related benefits.
If you already have an assessment appointment arranged, you do not need to attend. Your assessment provider will contact you to discuss your appointment and explain the next steps to you.
If you have made a claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) but do not have a date for an assessment appointment, you do not need to do anything. You will be contacted shortly by telephone or letter to let you know what will happen next.
If you are already receiving PIP, ESA, Universal Credit or IIDB you will continue to receive your current payments as normal.
If you have made a new claim or wish to make a new claim, DWP will continue to take claims for all benefits.
Read the current NHS guidelines on coronavirus, including advice on those who should stay at home.
If you’re making a new claim
Don’t delay making a benefit claim, even if you think you may be affected by coronavirus.
You can apply for Universal Credit online. If you need to make an appointment, call the number you are given when you submit your claim, and explain the situation. Jobcentre Plus staff are ready to support you if you are required to stay at home.
If you’re an employer
If you employ people, you are urged to use your discretion about what evidence, if any, you ask for when making decisions about sick pay.
If you have fewer than 250 employees, you will be able to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay for employees unable to work because of coronavirus. This refund will be for up to 2 weeks per employee.
Find out more about additional Government support for businesses affected by coronavirus.
