BENEFITS ADVICE: How the coronavirus pandemic may affect your benefit claims

Please note this information is subject to change often on a daily basis, advice will be update on our website as well as information placed on government website also.

Self-isolation. The government have confirmed that if you are required to self-isolate due to infection, you are in a high risk group or you may transmit even if you are symptom free then you will be classed as incapable of work for the purposes of Universal Credit, New Style Employment & Support Allowance and Statutory Sick Pay.

Capacity for work, Universal Credit Commitments (such as seeking employment commitments, attending job centres, etc). Sanctions and work such commitments will be suspended and/or relaxed if COVID-19 prevents you from job seeking or you become ill due to the virus. Make sure you notify the DWP of such issues in order to benefit from this.

Medical reassessments for current payments of PIP, ESA, Universal Credit claims. If you are awaiting an appointment for an ongoing benefit claim then payments will continue until your medical has been rearranged. If this is a new claim for benefit then assessments are likely to be carried out via phone and/or by seeking evidence from other sources such as GP, carers, etc.

Self-employed. If you have a current Universal Credit claim then the minimum income floor will not be applied to you UC calculation if you are ill or must stay at home due to the virus but will be based on your actual income (if any at all). If you do not currently receive UC and are self-employed and you business suffers due to the outbreak then again UC can be claimed and the minimum income floor will be suspended.

Evidence requirements for illness. If you are infected by the virus and require medical confirmation you will soon be able to obtain this via 111. Employers are also being asked to use their discretion in confirmation of medical evidence.