Help for zero hours workers (Private Sector)

fudgeman

My partner has a zero hour contract in a local hotel in the private sector. Due to coronavirus, the hotel has shut and as a result, my partner is no longer being paid. This has put strain on our finances (I pay the majority of the bills like rent, utlilty bills etc) and we rely on my partners income for food shopping etc each month. As he is not off sick but not able to work, is my partner able to get any assistance? We also pay private rent, so we are unable to claim any mortgage "breaks". Also my salary is over the Universal Credit threshold we won't be entitled to that either... Where do we stand?  Can we claim for anything other than Universal Credit.

poppy12345

If he employer won't furlough him. The only other option for your partner is New style JSA providing he's paid enough NI contributions in the tax years April 2017 to March 2019. It pays £74.35 per week for 26 weeks. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance

calcotti

fudgeman said: Also my salary is over the Universal Credit threshold we won't be entitled to that either... 

For the avoidance of doubt - there is no fixed income threshold for UC. Entitlement is based on circumstances but obviously your income may well nil the claim.