Customer LoginCoronavirus: what our customers need to know
Last updated: Friday 27th March at 11.30am
We’re all being affected by the coronavirus outbreak. It’s an evolving situation, so we’ll keep this page updated as and when things change.
We know many people could see their income drop during this time. We’re here to support you with your finances, so that you can focus on your wellbeing. Keep in mind that all debt solutions have some flexibility built in for times like these. Our teams are able to deal with your concerns. And we’re in daily contact with lenders and creditors – working with them to make sure we can support you through this difficult time.
My income has gone down due to coronavirus and I’m not sure I can make my payment. What do I do?
For information about your debt solution and how to get in touch with us, click the relevant link below.
Debt Management Plan customers
Debt Arrangement Scheme customers
And here’s some information that may be helpful for all customers:
Finding out what you’re entitled to
From your employer
If you are either off sick or told to self-isolate, your employer should pay you sick pay. At a minimum you will get statutory sick pay (SSP) from your first day off work. SSP is £94.25 per week.
However, many employers offer more generous sick pay, at least for a period. Check with your employer.
If your employer closes your workplace, the situation can vary. Some employers are paying staff during workplace closures. But others are laying people off, or asking them to take unpaid leave. Some employers are spreading the impact of a couple of weeks of unpaid leave over several months. Again, check with your employer.
People on zero-hours contracts can get sick pay, and should ask their employer. Many casual or agency workers may also be entitled to sick pay.
From the government
The government have announced a new support scheme for self-employed people. Find out about support for self-employed people on our blog.
You may be able to claim universal credit or employment and support allowance if you’re ill or prevented from working and aren’t entitled to other forms of support.
Paying your bills
We’d usually advise you to pay your rent, mortgage and/or any loan secured on your home before anything else.
However, if your income has suddenly gone down, paying your usual bills could make it difficult for you to afford groceries or medicine. So the government has announced that a three-month mortgage holiday is available for homeowners struggling to make repayments because of coronavirus. If you need this, contact your mortgage provider. There’s more information about support for homeowners on our blog.
Many providers of energy and other services are currently trying to be flexible too. For example, they might be willing to offer you a payment holiday or other support. Contact your utilities companies to see what they can do. Read more about support with energy bills.
It’s been announced that no tenants will be evicted if they struggle with their rent because of coronavirus. Read more about support that’s available if you’re renting.
But this doesn’t mean you should just stop paying your rent! Ask your landlord if you can miss some payments and make them up later. And if they agree to this, make sure you get it in writing.
Follow the government guidance
Check gov.uk to find out what you need to do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Useful links:
- Coronavirus and your money – the Money Advice Service
- Coronavirus financial help and rights – MoneySavingExpert
We hope this is helpful. If you have any other questions, please follow the links above to find out how to get in touch.
We’ll be posting regular updates for customers on our website https://www.financialwellnessgroup.co.uk/blog/ so please keep checking for more information. We’ll also be updating our Facebook page regularly: https://www.facebook.com/financialwellnessgroup – so please follow us there too. We are also on Twitter at https://twitter.com/finwellgrp.
