Pay assistance

LynneBSmith

Morning, I am a British citizen. I lived in South Africa for many years but returned to the UK in 2011 permanently. I have been doing care work for an agency since then and am on a zero hours contract. Every year I have a holiday and visit friends in SA. This year I left the UK in January and whilst I was here in SA the virus escalated and my flights home were cancelled. I have nor been able to get a reoatriation flight as the nearest airport is 600 kms away and I have no way of getting there. My travel agent has kept my flight open and I am at the moment staying with friends. My problem is, I have had no income since January and with not knowing how long this will last or when I can work again, I am extremely worried about how Im going to survive financially. I have contacted my agency and sadly they have been of no help whatsoever. I received a very curt email from the payroll dept and nothing else. Could anyone advise me whether I would be entitled to any assistance please? I have tried Universal Credit and they refused. People are assuming I live permanently in SA and I dont. Sorry this is long winded and thank you.

Grumpy_chap

Do you have travel insurance that will cover the costs while you are in South Africa?  Costs that are incurred actually in SA - travel insurance will not cover your 'base' costs at home.

lincroft1710

This is not going to be what you would like to hear.

Clearly, the agency cannot help as not only are you on ZHC, but you are also not available for work. UC probably refused you as you have been abroad for 4 months and there is no sign of your immediate return. I do not think you would be eligible for any help from UK whilst you are still in SA. But hopefully someone may know more than me

diggingdude

I don't see how you can claim anything sorry.  Any friends or family who can help you for now?

poppy12345

As you're out of the UK then you won't be entitled to claim anything here. Sorry but didn't you think to fly back home when things started to get worse?

Tugela

Correct me if im wrong but i thought i saw Martin Lewis on tv saying a woman in Spain was getting  furloughed as she  was  stuck there .. Also on zhc.? 

sharpe106

You left in January so were not being paid in Feb/March

LynneBSmith

Poppy12345 yes I did try but so did everyone else. Your comment is of no help. Hopefully you wont ever find yourself in this position.

LynneBSmith

Lincroft710 all of my tax and national insurance payments for the past thirty odd years are up to date. I am not asking for charity. How come some people are being assisted yet I qualify for nothing? I have tried very hard to get home and have no control over the situation. 

sharpe106

LynneBSmith said:

Lincroft710 all of my tax and national insurance payments for the past thirty odd years are up to date. I am not asking for charity. How come some people are being assisted yet I qualify for nothing? I have tried very hard to get home and have no control over the situation. 

The problem is for the JRS you were not working, for benefits you have been out of the country for too long. So granted not your fault but they have to have a cut of point in place. 

LynneBSmith

Sharpe106 obviously!!  I am not worried about Feb/March as believe it or not I actually had the sense to cover myself financially before my trip. I am thinking about the future. Please people if you cant give helpfull suggestions, forget the sarcasm.