Domestic Violence & Help With Paying Your Rent
Government Help During Coronavirus...
>> The spread of coronavirus across the UK and beyond has implications on residents' work and benefits. Find out what help is available to you based on your circumstances.
If you work full-time or part-time, the Government's job retention scheme can cover 80% of your wages up to £2,500 a month. You may also be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re ill.
If you are self-employed, the government has launched the self-employment income support scheme. If you qualify the government will pay you a grant for 80% of your monthly profits, up to £2,500 a month for three months.
If none of the above apply, you will have to try to claim benefits - such as Universal Credit and/or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
You will find more detail on these schemes in the secion 'Help Paying Your Rent'.
The following links offer useful help and advice >>
Financial Support for Businesses from the Government
Understanding Universal Credit: Employment & Benefits Support
What to do if you are affected by Coronavirus
Help with making regular payments…
>> Many of us will find ourselves with our income temporarily stopped or reduced at the moment. Should you need help to pay the rent, you should apply to your local council for Housing Benefit. This process can take some time, so contact your local Housing Manager for help and advice during this period.
If you have loans, catalogues, credit cards etc you can also access help. Most lenders are offering payment freezes that won’t affect your credit history for up to 3 months to aide those affected by Covid-19. Contact your lender's for help and information on how to do this.
Utility companies are also offering payment freezes for those with temporary financial difficulties and should be contacted to find out how to access their schemes.
In April, English Rural launched the Coronavirus Hardship Fund, a one-off payment for residents in exreme financial need. We have been able to help almost 50 households in significant hardship and continue to signpost other residents to external agencies who can also offer welfare advice and support.
Coronavirus Scams...
>> Countrywide, the police are reporting a general downturn in the number of burglaries and some types of crimes. However, there are many opportunist criminals that are finding other ways to steal and scam.
Precautions should still be taken to ensure security of your property, sheds, cars etc, even if you are at home all day.
Some of the scams to watch out for are:
Con artists are setting up false online shops that prey on our fears and insecurities during this time. They are purporting to sell anything from facemasks to hand sanitisers. Always check that you are using a reputable online shop, and pay via methods such as PayPal to protect your financial details.
Scammers are sending fake emails or texts pretending to be HMRC or the Government. Some detail that if you follow the link you will receive a tax rebate, or that you have come into contact with someone who has Covid-19. Sadly there are many variations of these 'phishing' texts and emails and all are searching for personal or financial information and money. Please be aware.
There have also been reports of people knocking on doors dressed in full personal protective equipment posing as Police or Health Officials. Some are using any excuse to enter the property by distraction to steal money and valuables. Other reports detail these fraudsters requesting the person to hand over their pets as they are there to take the animals into quarantine during lockdown. They are all scams and attempted thefts.
Only trust information from genuine sources. The banks, financial institutions or the Government will not be texting or emailing you at the current time about tax refunds etc, nor will they arrive to quarantine your pets. Do not be fooled by anyone.
>> The Government has outlined measures to protect people’s wages with the introduction of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (extended to October 2020) which sets out to cover up to 80% of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month (backdated to March 1st 2020).
The Government is also increasing the Universal Credit standard allowance for the next 12 months, by £1,000 a year. The basic element of Working Tax Credit is increasing by £1,045 to £3,040 from 6 April 2020 until 5 April 2021. In addition, the Government is strengthening the safety net for self-employed people too, by suspending the minimum income floor for everyone affected by the economic impacts of coronavirus.
The Chancellor announced that the Government will pay self-employed people adversely affected by the coronavirus with a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits over the last 3 years, up to £2,500 per month.
The Government has also confirmed that a £500 million hardship fund will provide council tax relief for vulnerable households.
Our affordable homes in Bolney, Sussex
If you are having any problems paying your rent, discuss these with your Regional Housing Manager who can offer further advice based on your circumstances. English Rural has a social purpose, and this means that we will understand and support you when you face financial challenges.
The rent setting policy applied by English Rural means that none of our rents are above the level at which you will be able to receive financial support from the Government. Claiming financial support from the Government can take time and the important thing is to start this as soon as your circumstances change. Contact your dedicated Regional Housing Manager if you are unsure about how to do this. They will be ready and willing to help you.
The Citizen’s Advice Bureau offers further advice if you can’t pay your bills because of coronavirus.
>> For many people, being at home with a partner under lockdown conditions is a terrifying situation if you are suffering from domestic abuse. Sadly, domestic abuse is not uncommon in this country, but in these difficult times, there literally can be no escape for the victim.
If this is you, or someone you know, there is help out there. Please reach out and ask - help will be given. You may find the following links useful >>
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Government Support
Help & Advice from 'Safelives.org.uk'
Help & Advice from 'Refuge'
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on: