Financial support for residents
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Financial support for residents
We know that COVID-19 has increased financial pressure and concerns for many residents. This page provides information about some of the financial support available and will be regularly updated as further support is confirmed.
Universal credit
If you’re unemployed or have experienced a sudden loss or interruption of income due to COVID-19 you may be able to claim benefits to support you. For most working-age people, the benefit you need to claim is Universal Credit.
If you're already claiming Universal Credit and your circumstances have changed, report the change immediately by signing into your Universal Credit account.
If you’re struggling with rent payments
If you’re struggling with rent payments, contact us and we will provide help and support.
If you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, you may be eligible for extra financial support through a discretionary housing payment.
Help with council tax payments
If you’re finding it hard to pay your council tax, contact us and we'll try to help.
The council has introduced a new Council Tax Hardship policy to provide extra help to our lowest income, working age, council tax payers. This is so that they get a similar level of support to that already received by our pension age residents during the period of the COVID-19 crisis. You don’t need to apply and will get that extra help automatically if you're already receiving a council tax reduction or if you make a new claim for a council tax reduction this year. In most cases the extra help will reduce your bill by £150, and in some cases may reduce your bill to zero. We'll send you a new bill to let you know how much you still need to pay.
Additionally, from Wednesday 1 April, 2020 if you normally pay council tax, and are claiming universal credit due to sickness, unemployment or income loss, you'll have been automatically enrolled for council tax reduction.
When you claim Universal Credit online or by phone, make sure you say you want to claim help with paying council tax from the council.
Homeowners annual and major works service charge payments
If you’re a homeowner of a council property and you're struggling with your leaseholder payment, contact us so we can help.
If you’re struggling to meet your household’s urgent basic needs
If you’ve had a sudden loss or reduction in income, and you can’t meet your household’s most urgent basic needs in the very short term, you can apply for support from the Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (SESS).
Financial support for businesses and self-employed residents
If you’re struggling to pay your Business Rates, contact us.
Please also see our page about financial support for businesses.
Other organisations that can help
Page last updated: 22 January 2021
