Struggling to find help!

Faith77

Hi and thanks in advance to anyone who can offer assistance, as my brain is a bit fried!
I am a single mum, now home educator to an 11yo (please send wine - I didn't panic buy enough!), and I am a self employed photographer. Prior to this, I was already struggling financially. I receive housing benefit (covers about two-thirds of my rent), and child/working tax credits (which covers the rest). The assumption with my benefits is that I should earn around £1000 a month to top these up, which cover bills and living expenses. Clearly, that's not happening now!
In February, I was approved for an IVA, due to debt forced upon me by my abusive ex-husband, and, as a result, I am not allowed any credit, and not allowed to fall into arrears with any bills. Rent is due next week, on 1st April, and I am not going to be able to meet the full amount. I have already explained this to the letting agent, but not heard anything from the landlord, who is mortgage free and lives in the US. 
Where do I even start?! Who do I need to speak to to access financial assistance? I can't get hold of anyone! And how will any rescue packages for the self employed impact upon the benefits I already receive? Do I need to reduce my hours with the tax credits, as, although I will still be working on the admin side of my business, and trying to keep it ticking over until such time I can resume, I won't be doing as much as I was previously, and will be doing it all for free, because I can't accept paying clients at the moment!
Tis not a good time to be a single-parent, self-employed, non-essential, debt-riddled, benefit-accepting, private renter... :'(

jackieblack

I can’t help with most of your questions, I’m afraid, but with regard to “ Do I need to reduce my hours with the tax credits”, when I logged into the HMRC app to have a look at my WTC, the below is displayed.

Jeremy535897

There are detailed rules about a temporary halt to evictions in the Coronavirus Bill, but the broad effect of them should mean you won't be evicted for non-payment of rent over the next 3 months. See the Government press release
Complete ban on evictions and additional protection for renters
Keep the letting agents informed, but they know about the new rules.

calcotti

jackieblack said:

I can’t help with most of your questions, I’m afraid, but with regard to “ Do I need to reduce my hours with the tax credits”, when I logged into the HMRC app to have a look at my WTC, the below is displayed.

That's a really helpful post. We have been hearing anecdotal stories that this is the approach HMRC are taking but I still haven't found any official announcements.

calcotti

You need to talk to your IVA provider about the implications of this.

Your WTC and Housing Benefit will increase from April as a result of the government emergency measures.