Coronavirus, Income and Rent
Updated 08/06/2020
We understand that many people will be worried about the affect that Coronavirus might have on their income and ability to pay rent. We’re here to help in any way we can.
Talk to us
If you are affected by the Coronavirus, whether directly through illness or through a change in work circumstances that will impact your income, please contact us as soon as you can. We’re here to help and will look at your individual circumstances and do everything we can support you through this very challenging time.
Making payments
If you usually pay your rent in cash at a Post Office but can no longer get out because of the Coronavirus lockdown, did you know that can make payments in number of other easy ways. Head to our ways to pay page to find out more.
Claiming benefits
If you have to self-isolate because of the Coronavirus and as a result are not getting paid, you could be entitled to help and benefits.
You will be able to apply for Universal Credit online and can receive up to a month’s advance upfront without physically attending a Jobcentre.
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 need to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) because of Coronavirus, you will not be required to produce a Fit Note.
If you are suffering from Coronavirus or are required to stay at home and want to apply for ESA, the usual 7 waiting days for new claimants will not apply. ESA will be payable from day one.
For further information, please visit the Department for Work and Pensions site, or the Universal Credit Coronavirus advice page.
Earned income replacement help
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Furlough pay for employed persons; funded by the government
The government furlough scheme has been extended to 31 October 2020 with flexible working permitted as part of the furlough conditions from July 2020. From 1 July 2020 furloughed employees may return to work on a part time basis. Furloughed pay will be available for the portion of their usual working hours that they remain furloughed for.
80% of wages will still be paid to furloughed employees until 31 October 2020 as set out at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-furlough-scheme-until-october Employers will begin to bear more of the burden in cooperation with the government from August 2020 onwards however. Further details about the above at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-self-employment-support-scheme-and-confirms-furlough-next-steps
The deadline for employers to register employees for furloughed pay is 10 June 2020. From 10 June 2020 onwards, employers will only be able to furlough employees that they have furloughed for a full 3 week period prior to 30 June. Any employees furloughed after 10 June 2020 will not accumulate the three week period required. Further details at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
Self Employment Income Support Scheme
(“SEISS” from the government)
The government Self Employment Income Support Scheme (“SEISS”) has also been extended. A second and final grant may be claimed in August 2020, capped at £6,750 or 80% of average self employed earnings, whichever is lower. The same criteria are likely to apply (tax return for 2018/’19 submitted by 23 April 2020 and ongoing self employed status).
Further details at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-self-employment-support-scheme-and-confirms-furlough-next-steps
Download our Benefits and Coronavirus guide
What to claim & how to claim it: a benefit guide to Covid-19
Support from us
Our Money Advice Team are on hand to help give free guidance and support.
Proud to be
bpha is the Help to Buy Agent for the Midlands and London. For more information visit www.helptobuyagent2.org.uk
or call 03333 214 044.
