Originally published 19 March 2020 and updated 17 September 2021
The coronavirus pandemic has affected many people's jobs, income, and health.
If your financial circumstances have changed as a result of the Covid-19, you may need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions or your local authority Housing and Council Tax Benefit Service, for advice in relation to any support you may now be entitled to.
Click here for more information, if you are worried about paying your rent during Covid-19.
You need to seek advice about support towards your rent payments and living costs and we would advise that you contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). There is guidance on the DWP’s website for people who are employed and cannot work due to COVID-19. Please click here.
We are unable to give specific advice about any benefit entitlement as this is influenced by many factors.
If you have lost your job due to COVID-19, our WDH employment advisors are available to help you get back into employment. Please click here for more information and how to contact our team
We cannot change the timing of the ‘rent free weeks’ but will give you advice around your payment arrangements and look to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that you are able to keep.
While restrictions have now eased, we still need to help protect each other from the virus.
Before we visit our home to carry out repairs or safety inspections, we will get in touch to ask you our COVID screening questions. It’s essential that you tell us if anyone in your home has COVID symptoms, has had a positive test or is self-isolating.
The wearing of face coverings is now a personal choice. If you would like a WDH employee to wear a face mask, when visiting your home, please let us know in advance. Equally, we ask that you respect any request from our employees or our partners for you to wear a face mask, when they visit.
We are maintaining regular enhanced cleaning measures in all our WDH buildings including our Wakefield and Pontefract Hubs and independent living schemes. When you visit, we have hand sanitiser available for use.
We ask everyone to continue to respect the personal space of others.
Don’t forget that you can still contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0345 8 507 507 or contact us on email or through the WDH App.
Many households are facing additional financial stress due to the impacts of Covid-19. Our Cash Wise team can help our customers to manage your finances, save you money and help you to apply for Universal Credit. The Cash Wise team also offers a full financial health check to help maximise your income and help you to reduce your monthly outgoings and bills, where possible. The team can also provide one to one support to help you get the most out of your money and your tenancy. For more information, click here.
Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing. During this time, our Wellbeing team has continued to support over 500 tenants, over the phone and when guidelines have allowed, face to face. If you are struggling with your mental health or wellbeing, please click here to complete a referral form and a member of the team will contact you.
There are a number of community hubs set up across the Wakefield district to support you and your loved ones during the pandemic. For more information click here.