7 April 2022
The Self-isolation Support Payment has now closed.
Council Tax Support
The Council is committed to supporting residents where possible in easing financial pressures during these unprecedented times.
If your council tax is payable in instalments to January or February, we can extend these to March, therefore lowering your monthly payments.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is a means-tested benefit to help people pay their rent, most new claims for Housing Benefit are now included in the Universal Credit application, unless you live in 'specified accommodation' or in 'temporary accommodation' or are Pension Credit age and single or Pension Credit age and your partner is also Pension Credit age (some exceptions to this) or you are protected by the SDP Gateway Condition.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit paid to working age claimants who require financial help. It is for those in work, as well as those out of work. It can include help with rent and childcare. Check if you are eligible here.
People who are new to Universal Credit are encouraged to read the Understanding Universal Credit website for further information and guidance.
Statutory Sick Pay
On Statutory Sick Pay you can get £94.25 per week if you're too ill to work. It's paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.
If you cannot work while you are self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you could get SSP for every day you're in isolation. You must self isolate for at least 4 days to be eligible.
There are different rules for Agricultural Sick Pay.
New-Style Employment and Support Allowance
You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
ESA gives you:
- money to help with living costs if you're unable to work
- support to get back into work if you're able to
You can apply for ESA if you're employed, self-employed or unemployed. Check your eligibility here.
Tax Credits
Working Tax Credit is for working claimants, it is provided to boost the income of working people who are on a low income. Entitlement is, amongst other things, dependent upon hours worked.
Universal Credit is money paid to people responsible for children, unless protected by the SDP Gateway Condition.
