Money Support

We know that many people’s jobs and income have been affected by the Coronavirus crisis, and we are here to help.

Latest benefit support and guidance

Keep up to date with the latest support available which could benefit you.

Visit gov.uk/coronavirus Visit gov.uk/coronavirus

Lost your job or had your income reduced?

Check if you could be covered by the Government Job Retention Scheme.

Visit gov.uk/guidance Visit gov.uk/guidance

Self-employed and struggling?

Check if you could be covered by the Government Self-employment Income Support Scheme.

Visit gov.uk/guidance Visit gov.uk/guidance

Council tax reduction scheme

Durham County Council have introduced additional measures to help with Council Tax payments during the Coronavirus crisis. If you are on a low income, whether in work, unemployed or retired, and have less than £16,000 in savings, you may be able to claim this discount. For more information, visit Durham County Council’s website.

Visit durham.gov.uk Visit durham.gov.uk

Free school meals

If you have children who would usually be eligible for benefits-related free meals whilst at school, you will still be entitled to support with food costs while schools are closed due to the Coronavirus crisis. Your school will choose how they provide this support, they may provide food parcels for collection or alternatively send out weekly supermarket vouchers.

visit gov.uk/guidance visit gov.uk/guidance

Pre-payment energy meters

Energy providers are putting in place new measures to help pre-payment customers unable to top up their meters during the Coronavirus crisis. You can find a list of energy providers and their current arrangements on the MoneySavingExpert website.

Visit moneysavingexpert.com Visit moneysavingexpert.com

Other support

Other support such as in-work benefits, help with your housing costs (Discretionary Housing Payments), or Universal Credit may also be available. We can help you to understand whether you are eligible for this support, and also help you to apply. If you are having difficulty in paying your rent as a result of Coronavirus or any other change in circumstances, please get in touch.

More information can be found on the Government website.

Specialist advice on debt support

Contact AICD Contact AICD

We know it can be hard to ask for help. If you are in debt, our partners Advice in County Durham can help you.

Save a little each month

Open an account Open an account

A credit union account helps you to save as little, or as much as you like, and is easy to set up.

Former tenant advice

We can provide you with assistance and support for paying off debt relating to a former tenancy.

Money Advice Service

You can check which benefits you may be entitled and plan your spending by using the benefit and budget calculators.

Visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk Visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Fuel advice

If you believe that you are paying too much on your fuel bills, we can help. Our support can find you a cheaper fuel supplier or tariff, carryout an eligibility check for Warm Home Discount, offer practical support on insulation, draught exclusion or bleeding radiators, and help with fuel debt.