FAQs during coronavirus

If you are signed off sick you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), this is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks if you’re too ill to work. 

You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

ESA gives you:

- money to help with living costs if you’re unable to work

- support to get back into work if you’re able to

You can apply for ESA if you’re employed, self-employed or unemployed. For more information visit GOV.UK

If you have symptoms or live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus, you can get an isolation note by filling in a form on the NHS website. You can then send this your employer as proof you need to stay off work. You do not need to get a note from a doctor.

Your employer can ask you to stay at home or take unpaid leave if there’s not enough work for you. A lay-off is if you’re off work for at least one working day. Short-time working is when your hours are cut. 

There’s no limit to how long you can be laid off or put on short-time working. You could apply for redundancy and claim redundancy pay if you are eligible – visit GOV.UK - to check. 

You should get your full pay unless your contract allows unpaid or reduced pay lay-offs. If you’re unpaid, you’re entitled to guaranteed pay.

If the current situation means you are unable to work, or you have no work to do, you can ask your employer to 'furlough' you. If eligible, then being a furlough worker means you are put on hold. Your company will then pay you at least 80% of salary up to to £2,500/month. Your employer can then ask the government for this money back, this is under the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme. 

Check to see if you are eligible for the self-employed income support scheme via GOV.UK. If you qualify the government will pay you a grant for 80% of your monthly profits, up to £2,500 a month for three months.

If you find yourself on reduced income and are unable to pay your rent, you need to claim Universal Credit and contact us as soon as possible so we can help. 

By letting us know that you have applied for benefit support, we will not take any action on your arrears while you wait for payment as long as you continue to work closely with us to progress your payment plan. Our income team will stay in touch with you regularly to provide support.

Find out more about your rent and payments during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

You must contact your council as soon as possible and let them know. Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for a reduction.

If your income is has been reduced you may be able to claim Universal Credit.

You cannot get disconnected for not paying your water bill. Most water companies will have support schemes for those in difficulty. You should visit your supplier’s website or contact them to make arrangements. 

For more information visit the economic regulator of the water sector in England and Wales - Ofwat

You must contact your electricity and gas suppliers as soon as possible so they are aware of your circumstances and they can make sure you are receiving the appropriate support.

Further information can be found on Money Saving Expert.

Check if your friends, family or neighbours can help you. If not, check who your energy provider is and follow the advice on Money Saving Expert.

You must let your creditors know. They may be able to offer payment holidays or debt repayment plans which are more manageable.

You should also seek debt advice via our in-house team of debt advisors or one of the below organisations offering free advice:

• Citizens Advice

• National debt line

• Step Change 

• Debt Free London 

If you are self-isolating, contact your local authority if you need support to deal with basic needs (self-care, food, medicine). More information can be found on the stay at home section of the government guidance. 

We encourage everyone to stay in touch with any friends, family or neighbours who can check in on you regularly and provide the support you need.

All local and district councils have now set up centralised community hotlines and hubs, most of which offer emergency food provisions and can also advise on other support. These are usually food parcels with essential items delivered to your door. To register for this support please look on the coronavirus/Covid-19 specific pages on your local council’s website.

Alternatively, you may be able to get support from your local food bank. Most food banks now offer a contact free delivery service. Find your local Trussell Trust food bank. 

Food banks usually require you to have an electronic voucher from a registered agency, such as Hyde or your local Citizens Advice Bureau. If you need help or advice please contact hydefoundation@hyde-housing.co.uk

This is the term now given to the group of people who were advised to take extra precautions known as ‘shielding’. The government guidance is regularly updated, and includes advice on how you can get support and help.