Coronavirus: money and benefits
How to access benefits
As well as adapting the way existing job centre appointments happen, the government has announced a range of measures to help if you are struggling financially because of the coronavirus outbreak.
This information is being regularly updated. Last update 8 10 2020.
How to access benefits
The government has announced a range of measures to help if you are struggling financially because of the coronavirus outbreak.
If you are currently receiving benefits
In person appointments for people already receiving benefits have been suspended since 19 March 2020. If you are already receiving benefits you will continue to receive them but do not have to attend the Jobcentre in person.
At the moment, the advice is not to attend the Jobcentre unless you're asked to do so. If you need to contact the Jobcentre, the quickest way to do this is online or by phone.
Making a new application for benefits
If your income has been affected by coronavirus you can make an application for universal credit online or by telephone on 0800 328 5644
Further information
See Department for Work and Pensions website for more information.
See Universal Credit's website for more information about how to claim.
See Citizen’s Advice Bureau for more information on the help available to you.
See the NHS website for up-to-date information about coronavirus.
How to get help from Porchlight
Porchlight offers a range of support with mental health and wellbeing. We offer services for adults, and some for young people too.
We understand when problems are mounting up, it can be very difficult to take the first step to reach out for help. If you need further support to cope with the problems you are facing, you can call our helpline on 0800 567 7699 or emailhelpline@porchlight.org.uk
Our helpline can be busy at times, each call is important to us and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Find out more about that here: