We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone. Should you need help with understanding the many different situations you may find yourself in, and not sure where to turn, we have attached a few essential Government guides to assist you if you are off work during this period or if you’ve been made redundant.

This includes advice on:

• Statutory Sick Pay (if you are off work due to Covid-19);

• Universal credit;

• Self-Employed Income Support Scheme;

• Changes to your earnings;

• Employment and Support Allowance; and

• Benefit calculators.

Should you be in the situation where you need to claim any of these benefits, the Government has relaxed the waiting periods,.e.g Statutory Sick Pay usually has a 3 day waiting period before benefits are paid, this will now be considered from day 1. The main site for all the information is www.gov.uk However, below are some suggested links you may find useful.

https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals

Where your circumstances have changed, your child may now be able to get free school meals (FSM). This might not sound like it would be helpful at the minute but in the current situation, the Government are making available £15 vouchers which can be used at a range of different supermarkets. If this would be useful and you get any of the following support, then please get in touch and we will help you out.

• Income Support

• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2022.

To apply:

1. Visit the LCC Website by clicking here.

2. Complete the simple online form.

3. You will be contacted (and school) within 5 working days.

Alternatively, phone them on 01254 220747 with  your name, date of birth and national insurance number.