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How do I pay my rent if I am unable to work due to COVID-19?
Depending on your income and savings, you could get some help with your rent from Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit. You can apply for Universal Credit by visiting their website.
The banks are doing mortgage holidays - can I get a rent holiday during COVID-19?
We are aware of the financial hardships that COVID-19 is causing our tenants and the wider community. Unfortunately unlike Mortgage Lenders, we are unable to offer a break from paying rent due to COVID-19. If your income has been affected due to COVID-19 there are options to get help towards your rent. You should look into claiming benefits and other financial support that is available as soon as you can.
If you already receive benefits and your income changes:
• Update your council for your housing benefit
• Report the changes to universal credit via your online journal
This will make sure you get what you’re entitled to as quickly as possible.
Please let us know if you’re struggling to pay rent and we will be able to discuss your options. We can work together to establish an affordable repayment plan, taking into account your individual circumstances.
We will ensure tenants who experience loss of earnings because of the pandemic are supported so that they are not at risk of homelessness.
What do you have in place to help tenants with rent payments if their income has been affected by COVID-19?
Our experienced team of Housing Officers will be on hand to assist tenants. If you are struggling to pay your rent please contact us as soon as possible. We can complete and assess your income and expenditure and make realistic and affordable arrangements. We can also refer to our Welfare Rights Officers (GEMAP) who can complete benefit checks and maximise your income.
We will continue to support our tenants during this time of uncertainty and financial hardship.
What can I claim if I am diagnosed with Coronavirus or self isolating?
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or self isolating because of COVID-19 you may be eligible for SSP of £94.25 per week for up to 28 weeks.
To be eligible for SSP you must:
- Be classed as employee and do work for an employer
- Earn an average of at least £118.00 per week (£120.00 from April 2020)
- Tell your employer you are sick as soon as possible
Normally you must have been off sick for 4 days or more in a row, however if you are entitled to SSP and are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are self isolating in line with government advice SSP will be made payable from day 1.
Some employers offer contractual sick pay that is more than the rate of statutory sick pay, speak to your employer for further information.
Anyone who has problems claiming SSP from their employer can contact the HM Revenue and Customs statutory payment dispute team:
Telephone: 03000 560 630
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
Textphone: 0300 200 3212
Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
What if I am Self-employed / not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?
The self-employed or people earning below the lower earnings limit of £118 per week for SSP, will be able to make a claim for Universal Credit or Contribution based Employment and Support Allowance.
Universal Credit – Means tested benefit
Universal Credit is a means tested and the amount you are paid is based on your income. For the duration of the COVID -19 outbreak, the requirements of the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor for self-employed people will be temporarily relaxed for those who have COVID-19 or are self-isolating in line with government advice.
People claiming Universal Credit will be able to claim and access advance payments upfront without the current requirement to attend a Job Centre if they are advised to self-isolate. Claims for Universal Credit have to be made online. If you are not able to make a claim online please contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Please note a new claim to Universal Credit will end your entitlement to the following benefits: Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working tax Credit, Income support, Income related JSA & Income related ESA.
Some people may be eligible to claim Universal Credit & ESA together (New style ESA). If you think you are eligible for both Universal Credit and ESA contact the Universal Credit helpline Telephone: 0800 328 5644 (choose option 2).
What if my Universal Credit payments or Housing Benefit does not cover my full rent charge?
It is possible that the Universal Credit or Housing Benefit payment may not be sufficient to cover the whole of your rent. Once your Universal Credit or Housing Benefit application has been processed and you receive payment, you may also be eligible to apply for Discretionary Housing Payments.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) can provide extra money when you need extra help to meet your housing costs.
Applications are made to the Housing Benefits team at the council who will look at your circumstances to see whether you are eligible for a DHP. The Housing Benefits team will also decide how much you will be paid and for how long you will receive the payment. We still have a team of Welfare Rights Advisors working via the telephone who can assist with this. Please call us on 0141 560 6000 and press option 2 to make an appointment for a callback.
What if I have no access to money and need emergency help with food and heating costs?
Crisis grants aim to help people who are in crisis because of a disaster or an emergency. They are administered by Glasgow City Council.
A decision to award a crisis grants will be made within 24 hours, although in these unprecedented times, it may take longer.
Applications for a crisis grant can be made by calling 0141 276 1177 Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:45pm. Alternatively you can apply 24/7 online.
What should I do if I need help with Gas and Electricity costs?
The government has launched an emergency package with energy suppliers to ensure you don’t face any additional hardships in heating or lighting your home during the coronavirus outbreak.
If you think you cannot afford to pay for extra gas or electricity because you have to self-isolate at home, support will be available through your energy supplier. Your supplier must take into account how much you can afford, and will explain your options. No credit meters will be disconnected during the outbreak.
Customers with prepayment meters who are self-isolating or unable to leave their home to top up their meter should contact their supplier immediately to discuss options. These may include:
• someone being sent to top up your prepayment card or token/key
• having funds added to your meter credit
• having a preloaded gas or electricity card sent to you in the post
The following numbers can be used to call your energy supplier:
BRITISH GAS 0333 202 9802
EDF 0333 200 5100
EON 0345 052 0000
NPOWER 0800 073 3000
SCOTTISH POWER 0800 027 0072
SSE 0345 026 2658
UTILITA online
UTILIA for top ups please call 0345 2068 333 (please use your 19 digit topup card number)
What if my child was entitled to free school meals?
Glasgow City Council is currently issuing Farmfoods Cards to eligible parents and carers. It may take up to 10 days to receive your card. Please do not contact them before Monday 6th April 2020 if you have not received your card. The cards are being sent to parents and carers whose children and young people are currently entitled and in receipt of footwear and clothing grants and/or free school meals.
Letters are being posted out direct to home addresses with the £20 pre-paid Farmfoods card.
