During this period you should only be leaving the house if you really need to for that reason all visits to the jobcentre have stopped for three months (starting 19th March 2020).
If you already receive Universal Credit:
You should continue to receive your payments as normal in addition Universal Credit and tax credits will increase by £20 a week for one year from 6 April. Anyone already claiming Universal Credit who thinks they may have been affected by coronavirus, should contact their work coach using the online journal, or calling the Universal Credit helpline.
Telephone: 0800 328 5644
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
NGT text relay – if you cannot hear or speak on the phone: 18001 then 0800 328 5644
Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Making a new claim for Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance or other benefits
All new applications need to be completed online, you should not go to a jobcentre.
Assessments for sickness and disability benefits
Face to face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits have also been suspended. The Government are working to ensure that those who are entitled to a benefit continue to receive support, and that new claimants are able to access the safety net.
This affects claimants of Personal Independence Payment, those on Employment and Support Allowance and some on Universal Credit, as well as recipients of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. These changes will be in place for 3 months from 17 March 2020.
You can find out more and get the help you may need here
Stay safe, stay indoors and make sure you stay up to date with what you are entitled to here
