Coronavirus and benefits - what the changes mean for you

Many of the coronavirus and benefit support measures have ended or ending. This page starts with the measures that are still in and below that, briefly lists the measures that have gone

Coronavirus and benefits - the measures that are still in or relevant

This relates to the special benefit rules for coronavirus. Don't forget there are other benefits you may be entitled to, so check our other pages such as benefit information and Universal Credit.

A description on the support measures and a withdrawal of those measures by the House of Commons library provides a good background

For those struggling with money and bills, go to: Support in Newcastle for those affected by the cost of living crisis 

Self-employed

The minimum income floor (MIF)

The MIF rules: For the first 12 months of self-employment, the Universal Credit calculation takes actual income into account. After 12 months, the ‘minimum income floor’ (MIF) rule is usually applied, where a minimum income from the self-employment is assumed, whether you are earning it or not (usually the national minimum wage for the number of hours you are expected to work, usually 35 hours a week). This means some people are assumed to be earning more than they actually are and so get less Universal Credit.

- Tips

See 'warning' and more information about claiming Universal Credit below

If you are sick, you may be entitled to claim the sickness benefit, New Style Employment and Support Allowance or if unemployed, New Style Jobseekers Allowance. Both depend on your national insurance contributions (details below). Statutory Sick Pay is not available for the self employed. See this Government guidance People with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19

These 'contributory' benefits can be ‘topped up’ by means tested benefits. This could involve claiming Universal Credit from the DWP and Council Tax Support from your local council. Many self-employed are already on benefits like Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. If income goes down, or if the Income Support scheme doesn’t apply, you should tell those benefit offices. 

Employed and employment

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

Employees who go on the sick and earn £123 (from April 2022) or more a week may be able to get SSP from their employer.

If you are incapable of work but cannot get SSP or it has run out, then you may be entitled to New-Style Employment and Support Allowance, see below. 

Access to Work

The support offered is based on individual needs and could include a grant to help cover the costs of practical support in the workplace or for those working from home.

An Access to Work grant does not need to be paid back and could pay for a range of different support, including:

• Support workers
• Specialist equipment
• Help with travel costs to work and back
• Mental health support.

You can find out more about the Access to Work scheme on gov.uk

Tips

If your employer tells you that you are not entitled to SSP because for example you do not earn enough, or your SSP has run out, then you may be able to claim the contribution based Employment and Support Allowance – also known as ‘New Style ESA’. Or, you may also be entitled to claim New Style Jobseekers Allowance (JSA).

SSP, New Style ESA or New Style JSA can be ‘topped up’ by means tested benefits. This may involve claiming Universal Credit and Council Tax Support from your local council.

Many employees may already be on benefits like Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. If wages decrease, you should tell those benefit offices because those benefits might increase.

If you suffer a drop in income and are on a means tested benefit, you should notify the benefit office as changes in income may affect your benefit. Also, drops in income may mean other means tested benefits could be claimed such as Universal Credit or Council Tax Support.