We know lots of people’s circumstances have changed since lockdown. Many people have been placed on furlough schemes and others have been made unemployed or unable to work.
A range of support and advice options are available for people who have had a change in their employment circumstances.
Where to get help and advice
If you’re helping someone who is concerned or unsure about what support they (or their family) can access, please share this information and guidance.
BetterOff Kirklees
BetterOff provides information on benefits entitlement for people who live in Kirklees, as well as help with applying online. BetterOff also provides information on how to find and apply for jobs.
Kirklees Citizens Advice
Our local Citizens Advice is still operating and can provide general advice. Citizens Advice also have specialist services for issues like benefits entitlement, debt, homelessness and employment.
Kirklees Citizens Advice & Law Centre
What to do when your circumstances change
Where someone’s employment circumstances have changed, they should inform all relevant organisations and services. This could be Government services such as HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and Kirklees Council services such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction or the Local Welfare Provision (LWP) team. Not reporting these changes could result in benefit overpayments, which will need to be repaid.
By declaring any changes, people will be able to access the right support.
Not declaring a change in circumstances means potentially creating benefit overpayments. It could also mean missing out on Free School Meals, Universal Credit, support with Council Tax, rent or mortgage interest relief, and other financial support.
The best way to be sure is to encourage people to visit BetterOff Kirklees or our local Citizens Advice websites or helplines. This is where people can get help with working out what they are entitled to.
