Financial support to help pay your rent, mortgage or bills if you are currently working, self-employed, ill and cannot work, been made redundant or on furlough.
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I’m currently working
You could get support from one or more schemes if you:
- have a job and are ill or self-isolating
- have been working less hours or on a zero hours contract
- are taking unpaid leave
- are at risk of redundancy
Self-isolation payment
If you are on low-income and cannot work from home whilst self-isolating, you could get a payment of £500 to help with loss of earnings. You can only apply for the payment, if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or have been formally told to self-isolate by the NHS Wales Test, Trace Protect service.
Find out if you are eligible and how to apply for the Self-isolation payment.
Universal credit
If your pay has been reduced, this monthly payment could help you pay your rent, mortgage and bills. If your rent or mortgage is due or you have missed payments, you can apply for up to a 100% re-payable advance. This means you do not have to wait for the usual 5 weeks before receiving your first payment.
Check if you're eligible for Universal Credit on GOV.UK.
‘New style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
This is a fortnightly payment if you are ill, have a health condition or a disability that limits your ability to work.
Information on ESA including how to make a claim is on GOV.UK.
‘New style’ Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
If you work less than 16 hours a week but want to work more hours.
More information on eligibility and how to apply is on GOV.UK.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
If you are ill or are self-isolating because of the coronavirus pandemic.
You can find information about Statutory Sick Pay, including eligibility and how to claim on GOV.UK.
Coronavirus Self-employment Income Support Scheme
If you are self-employed or a member of a partnership and have lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic, you may be able to apply for a grant.
You can find more information about the Self-employment Income Support Scheme on GOV.UK.
I’m not working
You could get support from one or more schemes if you:
- are out of work
- have been made redundant
‘New style’ Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
If you’re unemployed you may be able to get JSA to help you when you look for work.
More information on eligibility and how to apply is on GOV.UK.
Universal Credit
This is a monthly payment that could help you pay your rent, mortgage and bills. If your rent or mortgage is due or you have missed payments, you can apply for up to a 100% re-payable advance. This means you do not have to wait for the usual 5 weeks before receiving your first payment.
Extra help with housing costs
Paying your mortgage
Your home is unlikely to be repossessed for 3 months if you cannot pay your mortgage.
If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, you must speak to your mortgage provider, they may be able to help.
Read our guidance about what to do if you are struggling to pay your mortgage.
Paying your rent
Your landlord must give you notice before they can evict you from your home.
If you are struggling to pay your rent, you must speak to your landlord or letting agent, they may be able to help.
Read our guidance about what to do if you are struggling to pay your rent.
Help to pay back rent arrears
If you’ve not been able to pay your rent and are in rent arrears due to coronavirus, you can apply for a Tenancy Saver Loan from a credit union.
Council tax
You might be able to get a discount or reduction in your council tax.
Discretionary Housing Payments
This can help you pay your housing costs, in addition to getting Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
Claiming benefits
You can use the benefits calculator on GOV.UK to find out:
- what benefits you could get
- how to claim
- how your benefits will be affected if you start work
Financial hardship
The Discretionary Assistance Fund can help you if you are experiencing financial hardship. It can also pay for household items so you can live in your home.