Benefits: what you’re entitled to and how to claim
Travel industry workers who don’t qualify for any of the coronavirus support packages announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak have been told to apply for benefits.
While those who have savings of £16,000 or more or a partner with a separate income might not qualify for benefits either, some will be able to get Universal Credit, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they’re ill or self-isolating, or Employment Support Allowance if they’re self-employed.
In addition to announcing support for businesses, employees and the self-employed, the Chancellor has made it easier to claim benefits. The minimum income floor for Universal Credit has been removed, those with coronavirus symptoms will be able to claim SSP from day one, and there will be no need to attend a doctor’s surgery for a sick note, face-to-face assessments for Universal Creidt or Jobcentre interviews during the lockdown,
Also, Housing Benefit (for tenants renting directly from the council) and Local Housing Allowance (for private renters) has been increased.
While some people will only qualify for a small amount of income support from Universal Credit, they might also be eligible for contributions towards their rent.
You can see if you’re potentially eligible for benefits at turn2us.org.uk.
Comprehensive financial advice, including how to apply for benefits as well as tips on how to manage debts is available from the Citizens Advice website.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026