Jobcentre and universal credit advice issued for Leeds during coronavirus pandemic

With many people in Leeds required to self-isolate at home, jobseekers can now apply for Universal Credit and receive a month's advance up front, without having to physically attend a jobcentre.

A DWP spokesperson said: “We understand people who are required to stay at home or are infected by coronavirus may need financial support, and quickly.

“Those affected will be able to apply for Universal Credit and can receive up to a month’s advance up front without physically attending a jobcentre.

“If you believe that you may have been infected, or have been in close contact with someone who has, please do not delay making a claim to Universal Credit. You should stay at home and apply at the earliest opportunity.”

Here is the latest advice for jobseekers and Universal Credit claimants in Leeds:

Changes to Universal Credit:

- For those directly affected or self-isolating due to Covid-19, Universal Credit advances will be available online or via phone, with no attendance required.

- The Minimum Income Floor (assumed level of earnings for self-employed people on Universal Credit) will be temporarily relaxed for those self-employed claimants directly affected by Covid-19 for the duration of the outbreak.

- A carer could benefit if (1) they are self-employed and therefore subject to the MIF; and (2) the person they care for has been advised to self-isolate (or they themselves are advised to self-isolate).

Universal Credit entitlement:

- Universal Credit will be paid monthly

- The standard allowance for over 25s (i.e. minimum someone would receive) is equivalent to £73.34 per week

- The standard allowance for under 25s is equivalent to £58.10 per week

Contributory Employment and Support Allowance:

- Contributory Employment and Support Allowance will be eligible for people unable to work because they are directly affected by COVID-19 or self-isolating according to Government advice from the first day of sickness, rather than the eighth

- For over 25s the entitlement is £73.10 per week

- For under 25s the entitlement is £57.90 per week

Face-to-face health assessments for benefits suspended:

- Claimants on disability benefits will no longer be required to attend face-to-face assessments amid the coronavirus outbreak

- This change also covers health checks for Universal Credit