*Please note* The benefit online forms for new claims and change of circumstances have now gone live.
If you had saved a part completed application before the 30th November this will no longer be able to be processed and you will need to complete a new form

Area (press to sort)	Update
Universal Credit	The Government has issued advice on Coronavirus and claiming benefits
Council Tax Support	You may have become eligible for Council Tax Support (which has been increased)
Essential Living Fund	Applications to our essential food & goods vouchers scheme do not currently require a bank statement
Housing Benefit	Extra help has also been introduced for Housing Benefits, for which payments are being paid as normal.
Self employed and businesses	If you run a business or are self employed a number of initiatives to support you have been put in place.
Test and Trace Support Payments	The government have announced a new Covid support package to support and enforce residents to self-isolate.

Coronavirus update

Whilst we try and support as many people as we can at this difficult time can we kindly request that you only contact us by telephone with emergencies or Essential Living Fund applications at this time.

Here are current service updates during the Coronavirus outbreak. For all the council's wider Coronavirus updates, press here.