Coronavirus (COVID-19): Help and Support Available for Residents
Financial help
- NHS Test and Trace Self-Isolation Support Payment
- Universal Credit
- Council Tax Reduction Scheme
- Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) page
- Help with food costs for families - including free school meals
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- Utilities/Fuel
General information on finances and accessing financial support can be found here:
We know that COVID-19 has put a tremendous strain on people’s income, and many are struggling to manage their finances. If your circumstances have changed and you are not sure what help is available to you, we can point you in the right direction to get the help you need.
If you require additional support or information, please contact Connected Communities (020 8489 4431) or Citizens Advice (external link).
Information on support available with debts is here.
NHS Test and Trace Self-Isolation Support Payment
If you have been told to self-isolate by COVID-19 NHS Test and Trace and are losing pay because you cannot work, you may be able to claim up to £500.
Find out more about the payments, who can claim, and how to apply, on our dedicated support payment page.
Universal Credit
This is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to receive Universal Credit if you are on a low income, are out of work, or your work situation has changed as a result of COVID-19.
Anyone applying for Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance or other benefits should not go to a JobCentre but apply for them online (external link). Applications for Universal Credit are usually done online (external link)
You do not need to attend the Jobcentre unless they ask you to do so. If you need to contact the Jobcentre, the quickest way to do this is online or by phone. Only the most vulnerable claimants who cannot access DWP services by other channels will be invited to attend an appointment.
Help with food costs for families
Free School Meals (FSM):
During the current time, your family's working circumstances may have changed, which means that your child(ren) is/are now eligible for FSM. Please apply now if you believe you now meet the qualifying criteria.
To cover the Christmas and New Year period, parents and carers in receipt of FSM will receive two £15 vouchers, Find out more the Christmas/New Year vouchers.
Healthy Start vouchers:
If you have a child under four or are an expectant mother, you may also qualify for Healthy Start vouchers. These can be redeemed against fruit, vegetables, milk and baby formula. An application for healthy start vouchers can be made here (external link).
If you would like further information or help completing these forms please call Connected Communities 0208 489 4431 or Haringey Citizens Advice 0808 223 1133 (Freephone)
Other support:
The Haringey Food Network has a range of support available over the Christmas period for households that may be struggling to afford food. Options include hot cooked meals and food boxes depending on your individual circumstances. Additionally, Connected Communities can purchase food for residents if necessary.
If you would like further information or help completing forms, please contact Connected Communities by phone: 020 8489 4431 or email: connectedcommunities@haringey.gov.uk
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Statutory sick pay (SSP) is £95.85 per week. It is available for people who are classed as an employee and have been earning an average of £118 a week. You can claim sick pay if you have been advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19. If you are not eligible for sick pay, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit.
Utilities/Fuel
If you are struggling with your gas or electricity or are unable to top up your pre-payment meter, the first thing to do is to contact your supplier to see what help they can offer. Some companies are able to provide fuel vouchers or extend your emergency credit. Contact details for your supplier can be found online. There is more information about utilities here (external link).
- British Gas 0333 202 9802
- EDF 0333 200 5100
- EON 0345 052 000
- N POWER 0800 073 3000
- Scottish Power 0800 027 0072
- SSE 0345 026 2658
If you are in immediate need of support with fuel payments over the Christmas period, Connected Communities may be able to issue you with a £49 redeemable PayPoint voucher. If you are unable to access a PayPoint then alternative arrangements can be made depending on your individual needs.
For more information, please contact Connected Communities by phone: 020 8489 4431 or email: connectedcommunities@haringey.gov.uk
Food and Essential Supplies
Food banks
Haringey food banks provide a non-judgemental service to support you to feed yourself and your family.
Deliveries
There are a number of local shops that are able to deliver. Many of these can take payment over the phone.
For a map of local businesses that deliver in Haringey click the button below:
Local shops offering food deliveries in Haringey
For a list of London-wide businesses offering delivery services click here
Further Support
See also:
- Support for businesses
- Support for the Voluntary, Community and Faith sectors
- Health advice
- Help to stay positive
Befriending service
Staying at home can be lonely and it can be difficult to connect socially. If you would be interested in becoming or having a telephone befriender, please contact Reach and Connect (external link) who are running a special expanded service to respond to COVID-19.
Bereavement support
- How to cope with bereavement and grief during the coronavirus outbreak (external link)
- Coronavirus and looking after your mental health (external link)
See also case numbers and rates, health advice - including tests and vaccines, Council service updates, financial and other support for residents, business support, how you can help and COVID scams and misinformation.
Visit the Gov.UK and NHS websites for more help and support.
