That money is available to those who might not otherwise qualify for unemployment benefit, sickness benefit or income support, but do need urgent financial help for essential payments.
People of working age may be eligible for support if they:
- have been made redundant
- are in employment or self-employment but have severely reduced household income
- are unable to work because they have been required to stay at home in self isolation and cannot work from home
- are unable to work because they are caring for a dependent child who can’t attend their usual childcare
Pictured: Deputy Gavin St Pier is expected to announce further financial support measures in the coming weeks.
They can call 732516 to find out more or claim support. They will be asked for further information on their circumstances to find out which benefit they qualify for.
Callers are asked to have details of their household income and bank account to hand, in order to speed up the application process.
“I’d like to encourage people to contact us if they need financial support to see them through this difficult time,” said Employment & Social Security President, Deputy Michelle Le Clerc. “Please don’t suffer in silence – we’re here to help.
“We’re expecting considerable extra demand for our various benefits over the coming weeks and months. That’s only to be expected and we will be reprioritising staff resources to where they’re most needed.
“As things are evolving rapidly, we’ll keep the situation under review and make any necessary changes in light of experience.”
Anyone looking to find out more information, but can’t get through via telephone is asked to email hardshipfund@gov.gg with their name and telephone number. People are being strongly discouraged from turning up at Edward T Wheadon House, in line with Public Health’s guidance on social distancing.
ESS is also asking anyone who receives income support to only send in their wage slips if their earnings have changed since they last provided a copy.
Normally, recipients of income support who are in employment are required to send in their wage slip every week or month as proof of earnings. In order to manage the increasing volume of inquiries and benefit claims due to COVID-19, this requirement has been suspended temporarily. All existing income support customers will receive their benefit as normal based on the earnings that they previously declared.
Pictured: The Guernsey Welfare Service will arrange food bank deliveries for those in need of support.
Meanwhile, the Guernsey Welfare Service is offering continued support for low income and vulnerable people throughout this period of uncertainty.
The organisation will keep the island’s food bank running, as well as delivering packages with the help of Swoffers, Anyone in need of assistance is asked not to go to the office, but rather contact the team on 07839 724300 between 09:00 and 16:00, Monday to Friday.
“We want to get the message out there that we are committed to supporting our clients and others who will have a reduction in income at this difficult time,” added Service Co-Ordinator, Sue Le Friec.
Guernsey Welfare has thanked its sponsors and is welcoming further financial donations through its website. This will allow the service to bulk order items and reduce how often the goods are handled.
Volunteers will continue to empty the collection boxes in the Waitrose and Co-op Grand Marche stores.
Pictured top: Deputy Michelle Le Clerc.