Support is available for residents facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This council tax, benefits and budget calculator can help you work out your personal budget, and how a change in circumstances can affect your personal budget and entitlement to benefits.
If you are facing financial difficulties please get in touch with us and we can guide you through your options and assess whether you are eligible for any of the discretionary support schemes which have been set up by the government.
There are also a number of established support schemes that residents can benefit from if they are facing financial hardship:
Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs and rental payments.
You can apply for Housing Benefit if you are of state pension age, receive severe disability benefit, are in exempt accommodation or are in temporary accommodation placed by the council.
You can apply for Council Tax Reduction (also known as Council Tax Support) if you get Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, the 'Guaranteed Credit' part of Pension Credit, Tax Credits, Universal Credit, or if you are working and have a low income.
You can apply for Financial Support Payment if you already receive Council Tax Reduction.
You can apply for Discretionary Housing Payment if you're already getting Universal Credit with a housing element or Housing Benefit.
If you have been told by the NHS to self-isolate - either because you have tested positive for COVID-19 or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive - you may be entitled to some financial support during your self-isolation period.
We are working with local organisations - including Citizens Advice, food banks and the community support hubs - to distribute this government funding.
It is to help the vulnerable and those most in need by providing assistance with utility bills or buying food over the winter. The organisations which will be giving out the district funding will be contacting those in need. Nominations can also be made.
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