With the ongoing COVID-19 situation, here are links to places where you can find financial advice, information and updates. Some services may not be open or have reduced capacity.
Specific advice/services relating to COVID-19
Free School Meal Plans (GOV.UK)
Plans set out to support pupils eligible for free school meals.
Coronavirus and claiming benefits
Information about coronavirus and claiming benefits. It will continue to be updated. Please check this page regularly for updates on the arrangements the Department for Work and Pensions is making to support those who are affected by coronavirus.
Money Saving Expert
The Coronavirus emergency will affect all aspects of daily life causing worry and stress.
Money Saving Expert Guide has lots of information and advice on your employment rights, financial support, travel and insurance and much more.
The Money and Pensions Service
has helpful information on what to do if you take time off work or face a drop in income due to the coronavirus. The action plan will help you to get started with planning money and finances during this health emergency.
Money Advice Service
Has useful guides including; Coronavirus what it means for you and what are you entitled to, Coronavirus and your money and a guide to mortgage payment holidays
Job Centre Closures
The pace of change for Coronavirus Contingencies is something we have not seen before. Access to Jobcentres from 24 March 2020 will only be for very limited customers in an emergency situation. Claimants should apply online or use the phone wherever possible to contact us. Notices are on doors with emergency contact numbers for local site managers who will give you advice.
Coronavirus support for employees, benefit claimants and businesses
A range of extra support and measures will be in place to help workers, benefit claimants and businesses affected by coronavirus - GOV.UK
Bank of England
The latest news and updates from the Bank of England.
Citizens Advice on Coronavirus
What it means for you including work, schools, travel, finance and scams.
Money Advice Service on Coronavirus
This guide will look at your rights to sick pay, changes to claiming your benefits and what it means for travel.
Turn 2 us
Advice on benefits claims,what to do if you miss a benefits appointment, low income and zero hours contracts , disability and carers entitlements.
Maternity Action
Has produced a number of FAQs on employment rights which are now up on our website. These include health and safety issues, advice for self-employed women and benefits for rent bills.
Entitledto
Entitledto has a special guide relating to coronavirus and how people may be affected by this financially. Entitledto is a leading provider of online benefit calculators in the UK today. They help people determine what they can claim from national and local government via our self-serve calculators, Grants, tax credits and benefits checker: This website is handy for checking which benefits are available to you. They also have a special guide relating to coronavirus and how people may be affected by this financially
Local Welfare Provision
If you live in Sandwell, you may be able to apply for Local Welfare Provision. This is intended to cover urgent short-term emergencies (such as no immediate food, no heating or lighting) through the use of food banks, food vouchers, and utility meter top-ups.
Fashion & Textile Children's Trust
A charity working to provide support to families who are financially affected by Covid-19.
The FTCT provides grants for essential items, for children (0-18yrs) of parents working in related sectors. For example, if the parent or carer works / has previously worked in a high street fashion retailer, fashion clothing company, a supermarket that sells clothing, carpet store, knitwear, footwear, bridalwear, dry cleaners and many other related roles. A grant from FTCT can pay for essential items that children need. (Grants are considered regardless of whether the parent / carer has been furloughed).
Related Services
Foodbanks in Sandwell
Food banks in Sandwell.
Bill Help
Assistance with rent, bills, and debts.
Family Fund
Helping families across the UK who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or under by providing grants to by equipment or activities.