Emergency financial help if you are impacted by Coronavirus

We’ve all been impacted in some way by the Coronavirus outbreak. What we have to deal with will be varied, but for many, their concerns will include the financial impact on the household.

It could be that your job is safe; however, with no certainty on the measures taken by the government, it’s understandable people will have one eye on the future. There will also be others with immediate concerns. Whether it’s because the schools have closed, or because you’ve lost your job.

Whatever impact this is having, it may be that you’re looking for help from sources you’ve never had to use before.

What we’ll try to cover here are a broad range of topics you could be facing, and direct you where to find help should you need it.

If you are worried about making repayments on your debts, see our article on this.

If you are an existing Financial Wellness Group DMP, IVA, DAS or Trust Deed customer we’ve published details of how we can help you.

 

If you need immediate help

Using a foodbank

Over the next weeks and months, many people may find themselves in a position where they need to use a foodbank. 

Please note, that following the recent lockdown announcement by the government, food banks are aiming to remain open.

If you’re unsure where your local food bank is, you can search for it via The Trussell Trust. 

To use a food bank you need to be referred by an official body, these include:

• Jobcentre Plus
• A social worker
• Citizens Advice
• Children’s centres
• Local authorities
• Police or probation workers
• GPs, health visitors or other medical professionals

The foodbank usually provides you with food for a couple of days, as well as toiletries. It’s also a valuable place for information. The staff can put you in touch with other sources of help in your local area.

 

Applying for benefits

If you’ve lost your job, your hours have reduced, or if you’re generally just feeling the pinch, you can use this benefits calculator to see what you’re entitled to. 

You’ll need details of the following to complete the calculator steps:

• Your income, including your partner’s 

• Your current benefits and pension details (including your partner’s)

• Your expenditure (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)

• Any stocks, shares, or savings

• Your council tax bill

Citizens Advice also has lots of information about what you could be entitled to and how to go about applying for it.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/

Help with your mental wellbeing

The impact on mental wellbeing the outbreak will have shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether it’s because of social isolation, financial worries, or just the overwhelming nature of the situation, there are places you can turn.

Mind – If your mental wellbeing has been affected as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, or for any reason at all, Mind offers advice and support.

The Samaritans – If you’re worried about anything at all and just need someone to speak to, the Samaritans are open 24/7.

 

Help over the coming months

If you’ve seen the government updates, you’ll know that changes are being made on a daily basis. 

Here are some links to blogs in relation to the recent changes. If they impact you, or may do in the coming months, take a look at what is being proposed.

Coronavirus and your mortgage payments

Covid-19 and your rent payments

Covid-19 and your utility bills

Covid-19 and information for the self-employed

Coronavirus: what our customers need to know

We’ve been trying to document the changes into blogs. We’ll continue to do this, so keep your eye on our blog and website for further updates.

Other important information

Do you qualify for a grant?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a grant. Turn2us helps people access support if they are struggling financially.

Free school meals

At the time of writing the most schools are closed to help stop the spread of Covid-19. If you are a key worker and your child is continuing to go to school, your school should still provide free school meals if you’re eligible for them.

If your child isn’t being sent to school, some schools are continuing to provide free school meal provision by delivering meals for eligible families. Please check with your school to see if this is something they are offering.

If you’d like to check if you’re eligible for free school meals, you can do so via this government website.

 

Help if you’re pregnant

While you’re pregnant, and for twelve months after giving birth, you are entitled to free prescriptions and dental care. 

If you receive certain benefits, you may also be entitled to a Sure Start grant. The grant is designed to help you cover the costs of having a child and doesn’t need to be repaid.

Help for veterans

If you are, or have previously been, a member of the armed forces, there are a number of organisations that could help you. SSAFA is a charity that offers all kind of support from help with your mental wellbeing to financial support, and more.

 

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.