Financial support during coronavirus
The outbreak of Coronavirus has caused a huge proportion of Londoners to suffer some financial difficulty. This has already had a big impact on the economy, and the long-term effects are likely to be felt for years to come. Sadly, this means that many people, particularly those on the lowest incomes, face an uncertain future and are likely to experience further financial difficulty.
If you are worried about money or need help to maximise your income, there is support available. We’ve collected links below from a range of sources of information that may help support you and find the information and advice you need, for example, what benefits you may be entitled to or where to get help dealing with debt. If you have had any change in circumstances this may have impacted the benefits you require and may deserve. This page will help you find out what help is available to you.
Benefit support
For general information regarding the benefits that are available to you visit the Money Advice service.
For Information for sick or disabled people and carers visit Citizens Advice UK.
To make sure that you are getting the support you are entitled to, visit the online benefit calculator.
To find further information and advice visit the Money Advice service - where to get help and advice.
If you are an older Londoner or a carer and relative. There is some specific assistance to help give advice and information.
For general information regarding benefit entitlement visit the Age UK website.
Age UK also have an online benefits calculator.
For general advice please visit Age UK's advice line or call 0800 169 8787 open Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm.
Debt support
To help deal with any debt worry and stress during this difficult time there is some free expert information and advice available on understanding debt and access to support and solutions.
For information and online advice visit the Debt Free London website or call Debtfree London free advice line: 0808 164 2480. Lines are open 24 hours a day, all week, until the end of March 2021 and then will be open weekdays 10am - 5pm.
You might also find our page on wellbeing during coronavirus helpful.
Crisis support
If you find yourself in urgent need there is support and information available for you on charitable or crisis grants.
Turn 2 Us has an online grant search tool where you can find charities that offer non-repayable grants to help individuals on low incomes.
Information about cash support in a crisis is available from Shelter, including information on benefits and help with rent, universal credit advanced payments, emergency financial help, help with council tax, support with free food, free school meals, and bills during the coronavirus outbreak. Visit the Shelter website.
If you need to find your local foodbank visit the Trussell Trust website.
Your job or business
Advice and guidance for businesses, employers and employees during the coronavirus outbreak.
Pay it Forward for the future of London businesses. We are offering 100% free fundraising to help businesses raise vital funds and stay afloat, rebuild and recover from COVID-19. Register your business and find out more on the Pay it forward platform.
The London Business Hub has launched a new portal to support London-based businesses and employers to manage and mitigate their exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus).
If you are self-employed and need to get access to income support, visit the government guidance on what to do if you’re self-employed and getting less work or no work.
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