This page contains information on COVID-19 assistance available for individuals and businesses.
To help support people who live in Northern Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic the Department for Communities has put in place additional short term financial support for living expenses
Telephone: 0800 587 2750
This service provides an individual benefit, service and support check
Telephone: 0800 232 1271
The Newly Self-Employed Support Scheme will offer an initial one-off taxable grant of £3,500 to newly self-employed individuals (sole traders and those in partnerships) that meet certain criteria
Financial incentive available to all employers to support the recruitment of new apprentices
Business rates exemption for full financial year of 2020-21 for sectors hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic
Grants to self-employed individuals or members of a partnership whose businesses have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will repay employers the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid to current or former employees
A non-repayable Discretionary Support self-isolation grant may be available to a person or any member of their immediate family who has either been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told to self-isolate in accordance with the latest guidance published by the Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well-being
A Universal Credit Contingency Fund payment is a non-repayable grant. It may be available to people normally within the first Universal Credit assessment period following a new application to Universal Credit and who are continuing to experience financial difficulties
You can apply for Rate Rebate if you're already getting Universal Credit and you're:
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a homeowner living in your own property
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a tenant living in social housing owned by the Housing Executive
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a tenant living in social housing owned by a housing association
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a tenant living in private rented housing
Home Essentials plan is a reliable and affordable way for those who receive support like Universal Credit or Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) to be able to stay connected and have a low-cost broadband and phone package. Contact: 0800 800 150