TEESSIDE HELP CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 CURRENT ADVICE AND CONTACTS INFORMATION BOOKLET Teesside Help has compiled a list of various current* helplines and websites that are set up to access for anyone needing help during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. We know there is so much information out there so this is a handy guide to some of them. *Note these may change, we will endeavour to keep the details current but if you know of any information that has changed or is incorrect please let a member of the admin team know so we can keep advice valid. Thank you
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TEESSIDE HELPCORONAVIRUS/COVID-19
CURRENT ADVICE AND CONTACTS INFORMATION BOOKLET
Teesside Help has compiled a list of various current* helplines and websites that are set up to access for anyone needing help during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. We know there is so much information out there so this is a handy guide to some of them.
*Note these may change, we will endeavour to keep the details current but if you know of any information that has changed or is incorrect please let a member of the admin team know so we can keep advice valid. Thank you
CURRENT ADVICE AND CONTACTS INFORMATION BOOKLET.......................................................1
NHS COVID-19 advice and contact........................................................................................................................3
What to do if you need medical help:................................................................................................................4
CARER’S advice & information (including for those acring for individuals vulnerable/shielding)........6
Advice for informal carers....................................................................................................................................6
MENTAL HEALTH help & advice............................................................................................................................7
Men's Health Forum...........................................................................................................................................7
Mental Health Foundation................................................................................................................................7
No Panic................................................................................................................................................................7
National Gambling Helpline.............................................................................................................................9
Family Lives.......................................................................................................................................................10
Support for the self-employed..........................................................................................................................11
Ban on evictions and additional protection for renters..............................................................................11
Benefits, Business Rates, and Council Tax information............................................................................12
Free school meals................................................................................................................................................12
Other services:....................................................................................................................................................14
Help for prepaid energy customers.................................................................................................................15
Need extra support? Sign up to the Priority Service Register......................................................................19
CREDIT CARDS AND BANKING........................................................................................................................20
How are lenders helping credit card customers?........................................................................................20
'Persistent debt' rules have been relaxed – those in long-term debt now have until October to agree repayment............................................................................................................................................................20
Overdrafts – almost all providers are moving to 40% interest, but some banks have waived interest or added interest-free buffers................................................................................................................................20
HELP WITH MORTGAGE AND RENT (if you’ve lost money due to COVID-19)......................................21
If you can’t pay your rent....................................................................................................................................21
If you rent from a private landlord................................................................................................................22
If you rent from a council or housing association...................................................................................22
If you’re worried about being evicted..........................................................................................................22
If your landlord has started court action to evict you.............................................................................22
If you normally have to leave the house to pay your rent......................................................................22
If you can’t pay your mortgage.........................................................................................................................23
NHS COVID-19 advice and contact(https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/)
What to do if you need medical help:If you need medical help for any reason, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), use the 111 coronavirus service.
If you need help or advice not related to coronavirus:
for health information and advice, use the NHS website or your GP surgery website for urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111 if you're unable to
get help online for life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance
Read more advice about getting medical help at home.
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus.
Do wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available wash your hands as soon as you get back home cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough
or sneeze put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Don't do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
CURRENT STAY AT HOME GOVERNMENT RULES(https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus)
STAYING AT HOME You should only leave the house for very limited purposes:
• shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
• any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
• travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home.
These reasons are exceptions - even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.
These measures must be followed by everyone.
Separate advice is available for individuals or households who are isolating, and for the most vulnerable who need to be shielded.
Where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes.
The Government has also identified a number of critical workers whose children can still go to school or their childcare provider. This critical worker definition does not affect whether or not you can travel to work - if you are not a critical worker, you may still travel to work provided you cannot work from home.
Critical workers and parents of vulnerable children may leave the house to take children to and from school or their childcare provider.
Other critical public services – such as social services, support for victims, support provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, or the justice system – should be provided and accessed remotely whenever possible, but you can leave the house to access them when physical attendance is absolutely necessary.
House moves should be delayed unless moving is unavoidable.
CARER’S advice & information (including for those acring for individuals vulnerable/shielding)(https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19?id=6268:coronavirus-guidance)
If you have received an NHS letter or are caring for someone who has, you can register for further support here www.gov.uk/cornonavirus-extremely-vulnerable or call 0800 028 8327, the government’s new dedicated helpline.
Advice for informal carersWe know that there are many members of our community who are informal carers for family members and loved ones.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimise the risk to them and to you as a carer:
1. Wash your hands on arrival and often, using soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Or use hand sanitiser.
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
3. Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.4. Give them information about who they should call if they feel unwell, how to use NHS 111
online coronavirus service , and leave the number for NHS 111 prominently displayed.
5. Find out about different sources of support that could be used. Advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers UK .
6. Make sure to also look after your own wellbeing and physical health during this time. 7. Do not visit if you are unwell. Make alternative arrangements for their care.
This is a difficult time for all of us, but for those with caring roles the pressures and anxiety may be increased.
If you have concerns around the sustainability of your role as a carer, or concerns about any additional support you may need, please contact us:
MENTAL HEALTH help & advice (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/)
Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice.
Anxiety UKCharity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Bipolar UKA charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk
CALMCALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
Men's Health Forum24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Mental Health FoundationProvides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
MindPromotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
No PanicVoluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.
Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
OCD ActionSupport for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.
Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge
FINANCIAL ADVICE (TEESSIDE AND NATIONALLY)Department of works and Pensions (DWP) numbers/information
Universal Credit new claims (https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim)
Employment & Support Allowance/Income Support/Job Seeker’s Allowance- 0800 055 6688
Attendance Allowance-0800 731 0122
Pension Credit-0800 731 0469
Personal Independence payment-0800 121 4433
Disability Living Allowance- 0800 731 0122
Social Fund- 0800 169 0140
Support for the self-employedFinancial support will be available for the self-employed in the form of a grant through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-employment Income Support Scheme.
This scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months. This may be extended if needed. The grant is subject to satisfying certain criteria.
You cannot apply for this scheme yet. HMRC will contact you if you are eligible for the scheme and invite you to apply online.
More information is available via the government website .-( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a- grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme)
Ban on evictions and additional protection for rentersThe government has announced measures to protect renters and landlords affected by coronavirus. No renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home during this time.
If you are affected by coronavirus and feel you need help, let us know and we will match you with a volunteer in your area.
Here are some of the things we can help you with:
Shopping Making meals Walking and taking care of pets Someone to listen and support you Health advice and taking care of yourself
We can help with other concerns you have too, please do get in touch. We are all here to help.
You can fill in a short online form by visiting the link above and clicking on the green ‘I need help’ button.
If you want to talk to someone, you can call us on 01642 729777, or email [email protected] .
For all enquiries outside of our regular operating hours (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) please call 01642 726050.
Benefits, Business Rates, and Council Tax informationPlease note the customer care is closed, so you are unable to do this in person. Middlesbrough council has a list of help with common tasks relating to getting help with these. They suggest you visit - (https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/benefits-and-council-tax/coronavirus-covid-19-and-council-tax-benefits-and-business-rates)
If you have been financially impacted by, either directly or as a consequence of, coronavirus, or there are other factors which mean that postponing your Council Tax payment until June 2020 would help, please get in touch on 01642 726006. Our Revenues and Benefits Caseworkers can discuss the options available to you.
Free school mealsEvery school is making its own plan regarding free school meals. Please contact your child's school to find out what their plan is for children who are unable to attend school and are eligible for free school meals.
Hardship fundEveryone who is of working age and currently getting Council Tax support will get up to an extra £150 off their Council Tax bill. In some cases, this will mean they do not pay anything in 2020/21. We will be looking to re-bill those residents early April to reflect this extra support.
We are also extending our crisis payment scheme for people who have been directly impacted by, or impacted as a result of, coronavirus and who are waiting for entitlement for Universal Credit.
Universal Credit is still the main benefit system for people who are out of work. But we know that waiting to be approved for Universal Credit can leave people in financial need. So, we're stepping in to give support to people who are waiting for Universal Credit payments. We'll be aiming to make a payment of £20 per adult, plus £10 for every child, to families in financial need.
To ask us for help, please ring the Community Support Team on 08081 789 278.
Homelessness servicesRivers House (Thirteen's homelessness assessment office) is closed, so you won't be able to visit in person. All homelessness assessments will be done by phone.
If you're homeless, or about to become homeless, and need support, please call 0800 1303667.
STOCKTON COUNCILFor details of any disruption to services go to www.stockton.gov.uk/servicedisruptions
For information about Business Support go to www.stockton.gov.uk/coronavirus/businesssupport
For information about help for people who are self-employed go to www.businesssupport.gov.uk/self-employment-income-support-scheme
For information about Hardship Payments go to www.stockton.gov.uk/coronavirus/hardshipfund
For information on Schools and Childcare go to www.stockton.gov.uk/coronavirus/schoolsandchildcare
For information about our Community Support Team providing help to residents, including the most vulnerable and the elderly, go to www.catalyststockton.org/covid-19-community-support/
We have an army of volunteers and brilliant voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations who are here to help and here at Catalyst we are determined to make it easy for you to get the help you need. All you need to do is call us on 01642 524500 or email us at [email protected]
We are available 7 days a week
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pmSat – Sun: 10am – 4pm
You can call us yourself or if you know of someone who you think needs our help ask them if you can call us on their behalf.
Can you help?
We already have a group of brilliant Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations helping provide support:
DARLINGTON COUNCILDarlington Support HUB aims to help those in the borough who are worst affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
Other services:To make sure we can continue to offer you access to the most crucial services at this challenging time, we are now only taking calls to our customer service phone lines for the essential services listed below, this is so our customer service team can help where the need is greatest:
Council housing repairs - For urgent repairs call 405333, for all other housing related queries please email [email protected] – Please call 405333Environmental health - For urgent environmental health issues such as needles in public places, please email [email protected] or call 405111Highways repairs – For urgent highways issues such as bridge repairs, traffic light failure or road traffic collisions please call 405222Adult social care switchboard - Please call 406111
Other departments continuing to take telephone calls at the moment are:
Business Rates – please ring 405666 or complete an online enquiry formChildrens Services - call 406222 or email [email protected]
A list of Darlington food and drink delivery services can be found at (https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/deliveries?fbclid=IwAR3j1hw5TstRbRMWnyISEE_tok_lkBKKskaY7BHA-9p_HUMTnTBr3k5wKh4)
REDCAR AND CLEVELANDBusinesses will be asked to provide us with a copy of their latest bank statement showing their business account number, sort code, name and address. If your business falls into this category and has not received a letter from us by 27 March, please contact us on the numbers below:
1) 01642 4442492) 01642 4441393) 01642 771648
If your request cannot be addressed via any of these routes please email business@redc ar-cleveland.gov.uk and we will investigate and get back to you.
REDCAR RESIDENSTS-ADVICE LEAFLET WITH ALL NUMBERS REGADING CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT AND HELP: (https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/coronavirus/Documents/advice-leaflet.pdf)
TEES VALLEY COMBINED SERVICES BUSINESS HELPLINE Any other business, whether self-employed or larger businesses not in the retail, hospitality, leisure & nursery sectors with queries relating to the COVID-19 support available should contact the Tees Valley Combined Authority by email at [email protected] or ring 01642 662777.
UTILITIES/HELP WITH HOUSEHOLD BILLSENERGY Gas/Electric
If you can't leave home to top up at your usual shop, Ofgem suggests you arrange for a trusted person to take your card and do it for you (it may need disinfecting first), and leave your meter box unlocked if it's outside your home.
And if you can afford it, and you're not self-isolating already, energy firms are encouraging people to try and top up a little more than usual each time to try and build up some credit.
Ultimately, suppliers will deal with issues on a case-by-case basis, so the best thing you can do if you have to self-isolate or are struggling to pay your bill due to coronavirus is to contact your provider as soon as you can.
Note-This is only a loan and must be paid back, only use if necessary as you may find yourself without the means to top up in the next few weeks so only use when there is no other option
Help for prepaid energy customersSupplier What can it do? How to get help (1)British Gas Hasn't yet committed to sending out top-up
cards or keys loaded with credit. If you're in isolation and you think you'll use up your balance and emergency credit, contact British Gas and it has said it'll find a solution on a case-by-case basis. See its FAQs .
Call 0333 202 9802
EDF EDF says it can post top-up cards or keys loaded with credit to your home. EDF has advised people who self-isolate to ask friends and family to help you top up. Where this is not possible, it says it can deliver 'preloaded' cards and keys if you need to self-isolate – this balance will then be collected back at a "suitable rate" later. See it's FAQs .
Call 0333 200 5100
E.on E.on says it can post top-up cards or keys loaded with credit to your home or send an engineer to top up your meter.
It says if your electricity meter falls below 50p of emergency credit, or you're out of supply for gas, it can either send a card or key in the post, or it will send an engineer round to top up for you. However, it advises to top up a little extra or asking a trusted person to help in order to prepare for self-isolation. See its FAQs .
Npower Hasn't yet committed to sending out top-up cards or keys loaded with credit. Npower has said it is looking at increasing emergency credit to £45 to help those self-isolating. It also advises topping up more than usual in advance if you can or asking a trusted person to help. See it's FAQs .
Call 0800 073 3000
Scottish Power We've yet to hear back from Scottish Power – however it has published guidance on its website . Scottish Power has advised people who need to self-isolate to ask a friend, neighbour or family member to top up for, and to add more credit to your meter than normal.
Call 0800 027 0072
SSE SSE says it can post top-up cards or keys loaded with credit to your home.
It's encouraging customers to keep at least 14 days' worth of credit on their meter, and says it can help by reducing any debt repayments people are making through the meter. See its FAQs .
Call 0345 026 2658
Ovo (2) Hasn't committed to sending out top-up
cards or keys loaded with credit. Ovo is advising people to ask friends, family or neighbours to top up for you – it urges you to disinfect your card before handing it to anyone else. It's also set up a dedicated team to help those in danger of losing supply. See its FAQs .
Call 0330 102 7517
Bulb Bulb says it can post top-up cards or keys loaded with credit to your home. Bulb has advised people who self-isolate to ask friends and family to help you top up. Where this is not possible, it says you can pay online and a preloaded card will be delivered. See its FAQ .
Call 0300 303 0635
Robin Hood Energy (3) Hasn't yet committed to sending out top-up cards or keys loaded with credit. It's advising customers to top up meters more than usual, if you are able, and will
always provide an "emergency support function" for prepay users. It also told us it's working up a number of plans to help anyone struggling to pay or top up. See its FAQs .
Co-op Energy Co-op is now run by Octopus Energy, which has told us it is working through its guidance and will update us.
Call 0800 093 7547
E Energy We've yet to hear back from E Energy. Call 0333 103 9575Green Network Energy Green Network Energy has told us it is
currently working through its guidance to customers and will update us.
Call 0800 520 0202
Green Star Energy Green Star Energy says it can post top-up cards or keys loaded with credit to your home. It has advised people who self-isolate to ask friends and family to help you top up. Where this is not possible, it can arrange for a preloaded card to be delivered to you. See its FAQ .
Call 0800 012 4510
Omni Energy Omni Energy says it can post top-up cards or keys loaded with credit to your home..
It advises those who can top in advance and build up credit on the meter, or ask a family member or friend to take their key or card to the shop for you. It also says it has emergency credit to maintain supply.
Call 0113 457 3219
Utility Warehouse Hasn't yet committed to sending out top-up cards or keys loaded with credit. Utility Warehouse has advised its customers to top up a bit extra – it recommends having at least two week's energy on your meter. It also suggests identifying a trusted third-party who can pick up your top up card or key and take it to a store in case you're unable to leave your home.
Call 0333 777 3247
Utilita Hasn't yet committed to sending out top-up cards or keys loaded with credit. However, Utilita's main focus is smart prepayment, which allows people to top up remotely. If you've a non-smart meter, it advises to top up more than usual or ask a friend or family member to help. It also says it has called all its customers over the age of 80 and advised them of how to top up.
Call 0345 207 2000
(1) Whether you're on a standard credit meter or a prepayment meter, energy suppliers are urging you to contact them via email or live chat first, where possible, with any non-urgent queries, to keep phone lines free for those with serious issues or in vulnerable situations. (2) Ovo prepayment customers are supplied under the brand 'Boost'. (3) Advice also covers anyone supplied by Angelic Energy, Beam Energy, Citizen Energy, Ebico, Fosse Energy, Great North Energy, The Leccy, RAM Energy, Southend Energy, White Rose Energy and Your Energy Sussex.
The Government has also moved to help those on standard credit meters that are struggling.
Most importantly, your supply won’t be cut off – disconnections of standard credit meters have been completely suspended. What’s more, all energy suppliers have agreed to provide support to anyone in financial distress, which can include debt repayments and bill payments being reassessed, reduced or paused.
Exactly what help suppliers will offer will depend on your individual circumstances, but here's what measures firms have told us they can offer some customers:
Supplier
Delay bill due
dates
Rem
ove late paym
ent charges
Allow
repaym
ent over longer periods
Reassess
monthly
payment
Offer
alternative w
ays to pay
How
to get help
British Gas
Yes Yes - - - See FAQs or call 0333 202 9802
EDF Yes - Yes - Yes See FAQs or call 0333 200 5100
E.on Yes - - Yes - See FAQs or call 0345 052 0000
Npower Yes - Yes - Yes See FAQs or call 0800 073 3000
Scottish Power
Yes - Yes - Yes See FAQs or call 0800 027 0072
SSE Hasn't committed to any specific measures, but will offer help on case-by-case basis
See FAQs or call 0345 070 7373
Bulb - - Yes - Yes See FAQs or call 0300 303 0635
Co-op Energy (1)
Hasn't committed to any specific measures, but will offer help on a case-by-case basis
Hasn't committed to any specific measures, but will offer help on a case-by-case basis
See FAQs or call 0330 303 5063
Shell Energy
Yes - Yes - - See FAQs or call 0330 094 5800
Small suppliers
Though some have committed to things such as not increasing direct debit payments or offering more flexible payments, most suppliers haven't committed to any specific measures, but will offer help on a case-by-case basis.
See supplier contact details
Whether you're on a standard credit meter or a prepayment meter, energy suppliers are urging you to contact them via email or live chat first, where possible, with any non-urgent queries, to keep phone lines free for those with serious issues or in vulnerable situations. (1) Co-op Energy’s response is handled by Octopus Energy, which now runs the brand.
Do a whole of market comparison via our Cheap Energy Club to see how much you could save by switching – many can save over £340/yr by switching from the average Big Six standard tariff.
Need extra support? Sign up to the Priority Service Register Vulnerable customers (see who counts below) can also sign up to the Priority Services Register with their supplier or network operator. If you're on the register, you'll be eligible for certain free services, including:
Advanced notice of planned power cuts Priority support in an emergency (such as alternative heating facilities if your supply is
interrupted) Get communication sent by your supplier shared with someone you've nominated (such as
Arrangements to ensure it is safe for you to use a prepayment meter if you have one. If not, you may get a credit meter for free or get your meter moved for you
Meter reading services at regular intervals, if you or a nominated person can't take a reading
CREDIT CARDS AND BANKING(https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/#creditcard)
How are lenders helping credit card customers?Lender Waiving fees for
missed payments?
Offering emergency credit limit increases?
Offering payment holidays?
Bank of Scotland Yes Yes ('where responsible')
No
Barclays No Yes No First Direct No Yes Yes – tailored to
individual needHalifax Yes Yes ('where
responsible')No
HSBC Yes Yes YesLloyds Yes Yes ('where
responsible')No
Nationwide Yes (if on payment holiday)
Yes Yes
NatWest No Yes NoRBS Yes Yes (temporarily) NoSantander Yes Yet to respond Yet to respond
Important – credit card firms' call centres are very busy right now, so if possible try not to call. Lenders have told us their call centres are extremely busy and focused on dealing with existing customers, many of whom may be vulnerable. If you do want to apply for a new card, it's best to do so online and avoid calling unless you have an urgent question, to help them prioritise.
Of course, as we always suggest, if you are struggling to meet your debt repayments, and the help available won't get you through it, do seek non-profit debt-counselling help – they can guide you through what is needed.
'Persistent debt' rules have been relaxed – those in long-term debt now have until October to agree repaymentOverdrafts – almost all providers are moving to 40% interest, but some banks have waived interest or added interest-free buffers
How are providers helping customers with overdrafts?
Provider What help's it offering? When?Bank of Scotland £300 interest-free buffer for 3mths 6 AprilBarclays Waiving all overdraft interest 27 March - end
AprilFirst Direct No extra, but has a £250 0%
overdraft as standardN/A
Halifax £300 interest-free buffer for 3mths 6 AprilHSBC £300 interest-free buffer for 3mths 26 MarchLloyds £300 interest-free buffer for 3mths 6 AprilM&S Bank No extra, but has a £250 0%
overdraft as standardN/A
Nationwide Waiving all overdraft interest if you're in hardship (1)
20 April - 1 July
NatWest Delaying interest rate increases, max 19.89% rate
1 April
RBS Delaying interest rate increases, max 19.89% rate
30 March
Santander £350 interest-free buffer for 3mths 6 April(1) Apply using the online form
Co-op Bank, Monzo, and Starling have all told us they have no plans to offer wholescale changes to their overdrafts, though all say they are doing what they can to help customers struggling with charges on a case-by-case basis.
HELP WITH MORTGAGE AND RENT (if you’ve lost money due to COVID-19)(https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/)
If you’ve been affected by coronavirus, you might be able to claim benefits or get more money on your current benefits if:
you have coronavirus, or you’re following guidance to stay at home you’ve lost your job or you’re self-employed and can’t get work you can’t work because your workplace has closed
Check what benefits you can get if you’re affected by coronavirus.
You can contact your local council to see if they can give you any extra help from a hardship fund. Check your local council on GOV.UK. Details of DWP numvers are also in this leaflet.
If you can’t pay your rentYou should explain the situation to your landlord straight away - they might give you more time to pay, or agree to reduce your rent.
You still need to pay your rent. If you’ve fallen behind with your rent you should start dealing with rent arrears. You can also check if you can get extra financial help.
If your landlord doesn’t offer to be flexible with your rent payments, it’s a good idea to pay as much as you can afford and keep a record of what you discussed.
You should also contact your nearest Citizens Advice - an adviser can help you explain things to your landlord.
You may be entitled to benefits to help with housing costs if your income has reduced, even if you’re still working.
If you rent from a private landlordYou can find out more about dealing with rent arrears.
If you rent from a council or housing associationFind out what to do if you can’t afford to pay rent for your council home.
If you’re worried about being evictedThe government has made a temporary change to the law around eviction because of coronavirus. Your landlord might have to give you extra notice before they can evict you - it depends on your tenancy type.
If you rent from your local council, you’re likely to be an introductory or secure tenant. If you rent from a housing association, you’re likely to be an assured or assured shorthold tenant. If you rent from a private landlord, you can check your tenancy type.
If your landlord gives you an eviction notice on or after 26 March 2020, the notice has to be increased to 3 months for these tenancy types:
If you have a different type of tenancy, your landlord doesn’t have to give you any extra notice.
If you’re renting a room in your landlord’s home, your landlord can ask you to leave - they won’t have to go to court to evict you. You can check what rights you have as a lodger.
If your landlord has started court action to evict youThe court service has postponed all eviction processes for 3 months from 27 March 2020. If your landlord has gone to court to evict you, you won’t have to leave your home yet.
You can find out more about what to do if you’re being evicted for rent arrears.
You can also find out more about coronavirus support for renters on GOV.UK.
If you normally have to leave the house to pay your rentAsk your landlord if you can pay your rent in a different way, such as a card payment over the phone or an online transfer. You can also contact your bank for advice about different ways to pay.
If you can’t pay your mortgageThe government has announced that if you can’t pay your mortgage because of coronavirus you might be able to have a 3-month payment holiday. You won’t be able to do this if you’re behind with your payments.
Get in touch with your mortgage provider to find out more.
You can also find out more about dealing with mortgage problems.
Warning – mortgage holidays MUST be agreed with your lenderTo take a mortgage holiday, whatever you do, don't just stop your direct debit or standing order. Any mortgage holiday MUST be agreed with your lender first. This means you need to contact your lender and make a formal agreement as to how long you wish your 'holiday' to last. If you simply stop your payments without warning this will be recorded as a late payment, which will not only put you into arrears but will also likely affect your credit file (which could make it harder for you to access credit in future). Even if it's a struggle, make sure you keep paying until you can agree the holiday.
Unfortunately, coronavirus is being used as the basis for new scams. Cleveland Police have produced an information leaflet about coronavirus scams and useful information .- ( https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Coronavirus-COVID-19-scams.pdf )
If you're worried about fraud or scams, or think you might be a victim, Action Fraud has helpful advice and an online fraud reporting tool .-( https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ )
Trading standards reporting
If you come across any scams or retailers who are overpricing you can report it to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer or on 0808 233 113.
