We have compiled some information that may help you during the COVID-19 crisis. We are unable to provide advice regarding health or Coronavirus symptoms. If you are worried about either of these issues you should contact your GP or NHS 111.
Coronavirus Community Support
There have been some changes to the benefit system as a result of COVID-19. Find out about how it may impact you.
Find out information about vulnerable workers, Statutory Sick Pay, Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and help for the self-employed.
Find out information on how you can get food delivered if you are unable to leave home to do this yourself.
If you're worried about topping up electricity or heating your home we have some information that can help.
There are different ways that you can get medicine and your prescription if you can't leave home.
Our Money and Debt Team have put together some helpful FAQs around financial issues during the COVID-19 crisis.
Get Local Advice
Advice NI’s Helplines remain open
We will not be providing face-to-face advice or training for the foreseeable future. We will contact existing advice clients by phone. Our staff will continue to support our members and can be reached via telephone and email as usual.
We are working hard to move our training, where possible, to digital. For any queries, please contact our training team at training@adviceni.net
Helpline contact details:
Welfare Changes ring 0808 802 0020 or email welfarechanges@adviceni.net
Tax & Benefits ring 0800 988 2377 or email tax@adviceni.net
Business Debt ring 0800 083 8018 or email bds@adviceni.net
Debt Action ring 0800 028 1881 or email debt@adviceni.net
EU Settlement Scheme ring 0800 138 6545 or email euss@adviceni.net
For Historical Institutional Abuse advice and support call 02890 645919 email hia@adviceni.net
How we’ve helped people
Working for change
COVID-19 Support
Listen to our Head of Policy, Kevin Higgins, who spoke to Linda McAuley on On Your Behalf about how vulnerable people can get support during the COVID-19 crisis.
Kevin Higgins talks Welfare Reform mitigations on Sunday Politics
Our Head of Policy, Kevin Higgins, spoke with Mark Carruthers on Sunday Politics Northern Ireland about the looming March 2020 mitigations cliff edge.
Upcoming Training
Anytime Online - Universal Credit and Self-Employment – Updated for COVID-19
This pre-recorded online course is available now to access anytime for FREE until 30 June, 2020. It provides a concise, practical awareness session for how Universal Credit works for the self-employed, updated to include information on services and adjustments available to those impacted by Covid-...Anytime Online - Employment Law Updates – COVID-19
This pre-recorded online course is available now to access anytime for FREE until 30 June, 2020. It provides an overview of how recent emergency measures will impact on different types of workers. This course is online and available anytime.Anytime Online - Universal Credit Awareness - Updated for COVID-19
This pre-recorded online course is available now to access anytime for FREE until 30 June, 2020. It provides a concise, practical awareness session for those new to Universal Credit, updated to include information on services and adjustments available to those impacted by COVID-19. This course is...Anytime Online - Understanding Employment Law for Advisers
This pre-recorded online course is available now to access anytime for FREE until 30 June, 2020. As per the Northern Ireland Quality Standard, all advisers should be able to provide generalist advice in relation to Employment. This online course will provide an overview of: • Contracts • Statutory...Anytime Online - Employment and Support Allowance & COVID-19
This pre-recorded online course is available now to access anytime for FREE until 30 June, 2020. It provides a concise and dynamic overview of legislative and service changes introduced to ESA specific to COVID-19 This course is recommended for advisers and anyone with a baseline knowledge...Anytime Online - Triage Skills for Initial Contact and Support Workers
This pre-recorded online course is available now to access anytime for FREE until 30 June, 2020. A series of short, concise modules created to provide the skillset for initial contact and support staff to quickly identify emergencies, priorities, quick fixes and routine enquiries and assign...
Latest News
COVID-19 Policy update 16 May – 22 May
22 May 2020 - 10:33
This week's update from our policy team covers information on social security, health, HMRC and information on volunteering, immigration services and schools.Advice NI continues free EU Settlement Scheme support services
15 May 2020 - 15:56
The current circumstances are extremely challenging for all of us, with access to services and support restricted by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.COVID-19 Policy update 8th - 15th May
15 May 2020 - 11:08
This week's update from our policy team covers information on social security, health, HMRC and answers to adviser's questions.
About Advice NI
The Independent Advice Network is here to help you improve the quality of your life.
We offer information, advice, advocacy and representation on:
