If you or a loved one are finding this third lockdown particularly difficult, help is at hand in your local neighbourhood. You can find the details of the groups that can assist in your local area on the city council website: www.cambridge.gov.uk/coronavirus-ask-for-help
or by phoning 01223 457000, Monday to Friday 9am to 5.15pm.
If NHS Test and Trace tell you to self-isolate, you might be entitled to a one-off £500 Test and Trace Support Payment.
Your wages have reduced or stopped
If you are on housing benefit or Council Tax reduction, update your benefits account. We will look at your earnings right now and update your benefits as needed. If you get the 80% furlough or back pay for this period, we will reassess your claims. Talk to your employer about furlough payments.
If you get Tax Credits, let HMRC know.
If you are not on any of the above, you may need to claim Universal Credit. Find out more about employment and benefits support.
Cambridge Citizen’s Advice are able to help if you telephone 0344 848 7979.
You are self-employed
Depending on when you became self-employed, you may be able to get help through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (Seiss).
If you are also on housing benefit or Council Tax Reduction, update your benefits account to let us know your self-employment income has dropped.
If you are entitled to Seiss payments, these will be paid in June and may affect your benefits going forward. When you receive it, you need to tell us using the link above.
If you are on Tax Credits you will need to contact HMRC.
Again, if you have no other benefits or income, you may have to claim Universal Credit. Find out more about employment and benefits support.
You can’t pay your rent
Talk to your landlord and explain the situation as soon as you can. If you are on housing benefit, are we aware of your changed circumstances? Please let us know.
If you are not on housing benefit, you may be able to claim Universal Credit. Find out more about employment and benefits support.
You can’t pay your Council Tax
See if you are entitled to claim Council Tax Reduction.
If you are still struggling, please let us know and we will see what we can do to help. Email revenues@cambridge.gov.uk.
You have other bills you can’t pay
The national energy regulator Ofgem has provided advice for people struggling with energy bills because of coronavirus.
Energy Helpline has published guidance for people with prepayment metres. This guidance includes phone numbers for all energy suppliers.
The Energy Saving Trust has published energy saving tips for when you are stuck at home.
If you have a pre-pay meter and are struggling to get help from your energy supplier, contact homeenergy@cambridge.gov.uk. We can tell you whether the new temporary fuel voucher scheme will be able to help you.
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, Cambridge Water can help and support you. Visit the Cambrigde Water website for more information.
Cambridge Citizen’s Advice are able to help if you telephone 0344 848 7979. They can also help if you are having difficulty claiming Universal Credit.
Connecting Cambridgeshire have compiled a list of mobile and internet service providers who are offering support for customers to help them stay connected if facing financial uncertainty.
- See also reduce your energy bill
You can’t pay your mortgage
Talk to your mortgage provider as soon as possible and explain the situation. The Government has asked lenders to be considerate at this time.
You may also be able to get some help from Universal Credit. Find out more about employment and benefits support.
You can’t use the internet
If you do not have access to a computer, tablet or smart phone or are unsure how to use them, you can contact Cambridge Online on 01223 300407.