The Covid-19 (Coronavirus) health crisis is affecting every aspect of people's lives. Worrying about your job,paying the rent or mortgage, putting food on the table is stressful. Knowing where to turn for advice and support is important and will help you to feel more in control of your life.Lots of services have online confidential advisors that can support and give free advice.
Family Life
Sandwell Council Free School Meal application
Free School Meal Plans (GOV.UK)
Government guidance on Free School Meals.
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).
Advice Services
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.
Citizens Advice on Coronavirus
What it means for you including work, schools, travel, finance and scams.
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
Employment and Benefits
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.
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.
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
Jobcentres are open but the quickest way to contact them is by phone or online. Claimants should apply online or use the phone wherever possible. Please wear a face covering when attending a Jobcentre appointment
Advice on benefits claims,what to do if you miss a benefits appointment, low income and zero hours contracts , disability and carers entitlements.
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.