Coronavirus - check what benefits you can get
If you’ve been affected by coronavirus, you might be able to claim benefits or get more money on your current benefits.
This might be because you:
- can’t work as you have coronavirus or you’re following guidance to stay home - this is called ‘self-isolating’
- are earning less because you can’t go to work
- are self-employed and you’re earning less
If your employer has told you not to work, you might be able to keep getting paid. You should check if your employer can pay 80% of your wages and claim it back from the government.
If you’re not a UK citizen, you might still be able to claim benefits - check the rules for the benefit you want to apply for.
Check if you can get Statutory Sick Pay
You might be able to get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you have coronavirus or you’re following the government guidance to self-isolate. You can’t get SSP if you’re self-employed.
This says you will need to have coronavirus symptoms yourself or be living with someone who does. Read the government guidance on GOV.UK.
You would get SSP from the first day you were ill or you started self-isolated. It will be paid in the same way as your wages.
To get SSP, you need to:
- earn more than £118 a week
If you’re an employee, you should also check your work contract - your employer might pay you more than SSP when you're sick.
If you're self-isolating and can't work from home, you should still get SSP and you’ll get sick pay from your employer if your contract allows it.
If you’re on a zero hours contract and you’ve already been offered work with an employer, you might still be able to get SSP. You’ll need to meet all the normal eligibility rules too. You’ll only get SSP for the work you’ve already been offered.
You can also check your rights to sick pay if you get coronavirus on the Acas website. Acas gives free information to employees and employers.
If you’re self-employed or can’t get SSP
You might be able to claim contribution-based or new-style Employment Support Allowance (ESA) if you have coronavirus or you’re self-isolating.
You’ll need to have paid enough National Insurance contributions for 2 tax years – in 2020 the tax years are 2017-18 and 2018-19.
If you can get ESA, you’ll be paid from the first day you were sick or self-isolating.
You’ll also be able to get ESA if you’re caring for a child who has coronavirus or who’s been told to self-isolate.
Check if you can get ESA.
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, you might be able to get extra help.
If you’ve not claimed benefits before
You might be able to claim Universal Credit as well as SSP. You can still get Universal Credit if you’re self-employed.
Check if you can claim Universal Credit.
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, you might be able to get extra help.
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