What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19?
First of all please do not leave your home if you have either: – a high temperature – measure your temperature using a thermometer. If you do not have a thermometer, check if you feel hot…
Month: March 2020
Are you receiving PIP, ESA, Universal Credit or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit? Important changes!
From Tuesday 17 March 2020, disability benefits claimants will no longer be required to attend face-to-face assessments for the next 3 months. The change also covers health checks for Universal Credit. It is a precautionary…
Are you struggling to pay council tax due to COVID-19?
It is important to contact your council as soon as possible if you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax or are behind with your payments. Bedford Borough Council offers support to local residents who are struggling financially because…
Do you need help during coronavirus self-isolation?
REQUEST FOR HELP Bedford Borough Council has set up a Community Hub to support those Bedford Borough residents who are most in need of help. This means residents in self-isolation who have no family or…
Changes to benefits and allowances
Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, from 6 April 2020 to 5 April 2021 the government is increasing the standard allowance in Universal Credit and the basic element in Working Tax Credit for one year.…
Financial support for self-employed
The government introduced the new scheme on 26 March 2020. Use this scheme if you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have lost income due to coronavirus. This scheme will allow you to…
Changes to statutory sick pay (SSP) for coronavirus (Covid-19) self-isolation
If you are in work and not claiming benefits! Emergency legislation is being brought forward. If you cannot work due to coronavirus and are eligible for Statutory Sick Pay you will get it from day one, rather than from the fourth…
Changes to Jobcentre appointments
People receiving benefits do not have to attend Jobcentre appointments for three months, starting from Thursday 19 March 2020. People will continue to receive their benefits as normal, but all requirements to attend the Jobcentre…
Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK
On 23 March the government stepped up measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. All businesses and premises outlined at gov.uk should be closed. The government has prepared guidance for everyone, including…
Change of PBIC Advice Centre location
From 19th March 2020 PBIC office is located at 90-92 Bromham Road, MK40 2QH Bedford Open to clients hours: Monday – Friday 9.30 am – 3 pmPhone: 01234 328100E-mail: info@pbic.org.uk