Our Benefit & Welfare Advisors have supported more than 50 residents who have been affected by the pandemic, including many self-employed and furloughed workers.
Lisane and Mark offer free money advice to all of our tenants, and can help you with a range of questions or concerns related to the coronavirus such as rent payments and debt recovery. They can also provide advice about which benefits to apply for and how to claim, including:
- Universal Credit
- Self-employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA),
- Maternity and child benefits
- Disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payments and Discretionary Housing Payments.
To speak to one of our Benefit & Welfare Advisors please email Lisane or Mark directly, or get in touch with your Area Housing Manager and ask to be referred.
Further information and support
The government and other organisations are providing specific support and advice for people who are experiencing financial difficulty due to the impact of coronavirus. We have provided links to a range of financial information and support below:
- If you can’t pay your bills because of coronavirus
- Coronavirus and claiming benefits
- Government advice and information about coronavirus
- Check if you can get statutory sick pay (SSP)
- Check if you're eligible for Universal Credit
- Check if you're eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Your rights if your hours are cut or you’re laid off
- What to do if you cannot pay your tax bill on time
Support for residents on gas and electricity prepayment meters
Many energy firms are putting measures in place to help prepayment customers. Plans include posting cards loaded with emergency credit to those unable to leave home if they need to self-isolate. We have provided the contact details for some of the main energy suppliers below.
- British Gas - 0333 202 9802
- EDF - 0333 200 5100
- EON - 0345 052 0000
- N Power - 0800 073 3000
- Scottish Power - 0800 027 0072
- SSE - 0345 026 2658
Beware of scam debt advice
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued warnings about two companies that appear to be posing as the National Debtline, under the names of ‘National-Debt-Helpline’ and ‘National Debtlines’ online.
These companies may be looking to take advantage of people during a difficult time in their lives, and could provide inaccurate and unsuitable advice.
If you are searching online for information and advice about dealing with debt, make sure to only click on links for trusted companies. The correct web address for the National Debtline is www.nationaldebtline.org
You can also find out more about how protect yourself from coronavirus scams on the FCA website.
