This information has been provided to us from the Department for Work and Pensions
Touchbase Coronavirus Special - 9 April 2020
New page to replace Understanding UC Coronavirus and claiming benefits page - DWP’s employment and benefits support https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/employment-and-benefits-support/
These pages have additional information and will help answer lots of the questions. Please promote this new site to employees or members as appropriate.
Please visit this new Employment and benefits support site regularly to keep up to date with the latest guidance and messages on sick pay, existing benefit claims, new claims to benefit, self-employment, housing and more. This site covers all the changes DWP is making to respond to coronavirus – not just to Universal Credit. It also includes a Frequently Asked Questions section.
People making new claims for Universal Credit will no longer need to call the Department as part of the process.
For those who have not seen already, please see attached the press release following the Secretary of State announcement regarding the way we are handling Universal Credit claims.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/don-t-call-us-we-ll-call-you
We have also produced some social media assets which we hope you will consider sharing on your channels. I have attached a GIF (for Twitter) and MP4 (for Facebook and LinkedIn).
Right to work
Attachment: Right to Work COVID-19 factsheet
We have received this from BEIS (attached) – it might be useful for employers/members who are currently recruiting – some changes to Right to Work checks.
Covid-19: Temporary changes to the Statutory Residence Test (link is external)
The Chancellor has written to the chair of the Treasury Select Committee to outline temporary changes to the Statutory Residence Test (SRT) for those coming to the UK to work on Covid-19 related activity.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re employed and cannot work: Guidance for people who are employed and cannot work due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re self-employed and getting less work or no work: Guidance for people who are self-employed and getting less work or no work because of coronavirus (COVID-19). (link is external)
The support offered by Universal Credit to help claimants start their own business and what will be expected of them in return.
Universal Credit for the self-employed
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19):
Find out what financial support you can get for your business.
£1.3 million fund to support Destination Management Organisations:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information leaflet:
Published on Monday 13th April 2020