Accessing benefits and other government support
It is vital that you ensure you can meet your financial commitments and do not ignore any issues that arise. Your bank or lender can assist you in maintaining your payments.
Cost of Living Support
The government has created a homepage for accessing cost of living support.
Energy Bills Support Scheme
Ofgem general bill advice: Getting help if you can't afford your energy bills
Benefits Checker
Citizens Advice have setup an online benefits checker that can help you check if you’re entitled to any additional support at this time.
Specialist Benefits Advice
Nottinghamshire County Council have a specialist benefits advice team. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please submit a benefits advice request and the team will contact you.
Money Worries
Citizens Advice also has information and support if you can't pay your bills. Money Saving Expert and Money Helper can also offer advice and support in dealing with mortgages and other debts, rental help, energy top-ups and more.
Council Tax
Your local council can support you with council tax payments and is providing extra help if you’re in exceptional financial hardship. Further information is available in your local district or borough council’s coronavirus response: Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, Rushcliffe.
Housing
If you are worried that you may not be able to pay your rent this can be a big concern. The government has announced a ban on evictions. Your landlord can’t start court action for at least three months. Citizens Advice has information about dealing with rent arrears. Shelter has advice on issues to do with coronavirus including eviction and rent problems.
Websites to help jobseekers and employers
The County Council’s Nottinghamshire Opportunities site helps residents search for jobs, training courses and apprenticeship opportunities. It is also a useful resource for employers who are looking to recruit locally.
Universal Credit
If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credits it it important that you seek advice before applying for Universal Credit. It will not be possible to apply for Working Tax Credits again once a claim for Universal Credit has been made.
More information can be found at understanding universal credit.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You may claim ESA if you have an illness or disability which prevents you from working, and you have come to the end of your Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or you are not entitled to SSP.
Entitlement to ESA is based upon your National Insurance record (from employment, self-employment or NI credits) and can be paid even if you have savings over £16,000 or other income. If you have a low income and savings under £16,000 you may also be able to claim Universal Credit.
If you already receive Universal Credit, you can apply for ESA via your UC account or by contacting your work coach or case manager.
It is now possible to claim new style ESA online. Find out if you're eligible for new style ESA. To make the claim you will need:
- your National Insurance number
- your bank or building society account number and sort code (you can use a friend or family member’s account if you do not have one)
- your doctor’s name, address and telephone number
- details of your income if you’re working
- the date your Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) ends if you’re claiming it.
You will be asked a series of questions to check your entitlement to ESA before you make the application.
It is still possible to claim by phone. Please call 0800 328 5644. If you are an appointee for someone else, you must make the claim by phone.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
You may claim SSP if you are an employee and you are unable to work owing to illness or disability.
You may be able to claim benefits to top up SSP, such as Universal Credit and should seek advice if you think this may be the case.
