Money, housing and your rights

This page is here to help you find out how you can get financial support, know what your rights are, and find support with housing and tenancies. 

The information below is for people who live and work in Northern Ireland.

Benefits and money

Coronavirus has had a huge impact on many people financially – and you might be feeling worried about paying bills or rent.  These resources are reviewed regularly and can you help you understand your rights and where to get further support. 

• You can find the most up-to-date information on benefits and money, including benefit assessments, on the NI Gov website.

• Our Mental Health and Money Advice service can provide support on benefits, debt and money issues. If you need support or advice, you can call our trained Mental Health & Money Advice advisers on freephone 0808 8010373, choosing Northern Ireland.

• Our Mental Health and Money Advice site also contains up to date information on debt, benefits and money in light of the Covid-19 crisis.

• If your child is entitled to free school meals, the Education Authority will make payments into your bank account.  You must make sure the Education Authority have your bank details. You can find out more on their website. 

• If you are vulnerable due to mental ill health and don't have a support network, you can request help, or someone can request it on your behalf, from the Covid-19 Community Helpline. Phone freephone 0808 802 0020; email covid19@adviceni.net or text ACTION to 81025. It is available 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm.
  

Your rights at work

• If you can do your job at home, as of 30^th March 2020, you must work from home.

• “Keyworkers”, ie though are work in government decreed, “essential services” are permitted to travel to and from work. Find out more about keyworkers and essential businesses on the NI Direct website.

• If your employer has had to close their business due to coronavirus, you may be offered, “furlough”. If you are in a “vulnerable group” and need to self – isolate, your employer has responsibilities to you. The Labour Relations Agency has a guide for employers and employees on their website.

Housing, renting and mortgages

• Housing Rights is a Northern Ireland based charity which campaigns with and behalf of tenants. They’ve created a comprehensive resource for people affected by the coronavirus, including advice for private and council tenants, people with mortgages, and landlords.   They also have advice on what to do and where to find support if you are homeless, or at risk of losing your home.

• We have a guide on housing and mental health which provides information on different types of tenancies and support you can get if you are living with a mental health issue.