Coronavirus Legal Help for Individuals

Can I create a will at home? 

You do not need a lawyer to make a legally binding will. Provided that you are over 18 and of sound mind, you can create a will as long as it is in writing and signed by you in the presence of two witnesses (in England and Wales) or one witness (in Scotland). You can make a Living will or a Last Will and testament with Rocket Lawyer. 

In England and Wales, your witnesses must be over 18, they must not be an executor or beneficiary of your will,  and they must not be related to you or to anyone mentioned in your Will as a beneficiary, either by marriage or civil partnership. In Scotland, your witnesses must be over 16 and have credible information of the testator’s identity at the time of signing. They must also not be blind or illiterate. For more information read Executing a will.

How can I validly sign my will while complying with social distancing rules? 

To comply with social distancing rules while signing your will in the presence of witnesses, you may wish to stay 2 metres away from each other, wear gloves and use different pens.

How do I store a will?

You can store your will with: 

• your solicitor

• a will writing service provider 

• the Probate Service

• banks

• at a secure location of your choice

For more information read Storing your will.

Can I use a power of attorney to manage my affairs during the pandemic?

A power of attorney deed can grant another person the ability to deal with your affairs (eg paying your bills) on your behalf if necessary. These powers can only be set up when you have mental capacity.

In England and Wales, there are two types of powers of attorney: the general power of attorney (POA) and the lasting power of attorney (LPA). A POA is normally used for one-off events and for short periods of time, while the person granting the POA is mentally capable of making their own decisions, while a LPA is meant to last indefinitely and designed for situations where you’ve lost the mental capacity to make decisions. For more information read Lasting powers of attorney and General powers of attorney. Make a POA or speak to a lawyer to create a LPA.

In Scotland, a Continuing Power of Attorney (CPA) is a power of attorney related to your financial/ property affairs while a Welfare Power of Attorney (WPA) authorises the attorney to make welfare decisions for you. For more information read Power of attorney in Scotland.

Are self-employed individuals entitled to sick pay?

Generally, employees are entitled to sick pay while self-employed individuals are not. This is because sick pay is paid by an employer. However, the Government has announced assistance for self-employed individuals affected by Covid-19, through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

What is the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme?

This scheme allows self-employed individuals to claim a grant for a percentage of their profits (paid in one lump sum) for the next three months, capped at a specified amount. To be able to apply for grants 4 and 5 of this scheme, you must be self-employed or a member of a partnership and you:

• must have traded in 2019 and 2020 

• must have submitted your Income Tax Self Assessment by 2 March 2021

• are trading when you apply (or would be, if not for COVID-19)

• intend to continue trading

• have lost trading/partnership trading profit due to COVID-19

In addition, more than half of your income must be through self-employment and your profits from this self-employment must be less than £50,000 per year. Eligibility will be based on your 2019-2020 Self Assessment Tax Return.

Where you are not eligible for the SEISS based on your 2019-2020 Self Assessment Tax Return, the government will consider tax years 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020.

First grant

Initially, the scheme allowed self-employed individuals to claim a grant for 80%  of the average profits from the previous three tax years (where applicable) for the next three months, capped at £7,500 (ie £2,500 per month). This grant was paid directly into your bank account in one lump sum.

Where you had not yet returned your Self Assessment tax return for the tax year 2018 - 2019, you had until April 23 2020 to do so.

You could apply to the scheme using the Government’s portal until 13 July 2020.

Second grant

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme was extended by the Government. Those eligible were able to make a claim for a second grant in August 2020.

The eligibility requirements for the second grant were the same as outlined above. However, this grant allowed self-employed individuals to claim 70% of their profits (paid in one lump sum) for another three months, capped at £6,570. You could apply for the second grant online until 19 October 2020.

Third grant

On the 24 September 2020, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme was again extended by the Government. Those eligible will be able to make a claim for a further three-month grant in November 2020.

The eligibility requirements for the third grant are the same as outlined above. However, this grant allows self-employed individuals to claim 80% of their profits for another three months, capped at £7,500 in total. This will be paid in one lump sum. You could apply for the third grant online until 29 January 2021.

The Government has the discretion to further extend the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

For more information read the Government’s guidance, Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension.

Fourth grant 

This grant will cover February to April 2021 and the eligibility requirements for the fourth grant will be the same as the third grant. Self-employed individuals will be able to claim 80% of their profits during these three months, capped at £2,500. This will be paid in one lump sum. 

You will be able to apply online for this grant from late April 2021. More information is expected in due course.

Fifth grant 

This grant will cover May to September and the amount available will be determined by a ‘turnover test.’ Individuals claiming the fifth grant whose turnover has fallen by 30% or more will receive 80% of three months average trading profits, capped at £7,500. Those whose turnover has fallen by less than 30% will only be eligible for 30% of three months average trading profits, capped at £2,850.

You will be able to apply online for this grant from late July 2021. More information is expected in due course.

What if I’m self employed and require urgent financial assistance?

The Government has made it easier for individuals affected by Covid-19 to access benefits. Those individuals on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) who are suffering from Covid-19 or are required to self-isolate, will be able to claim the allowance from day one, instead of having to wait for seven days.

Further, the minimum income floor has been temporarily removed from Universal Credit for self-employed individuals who have to self-isolate as a result of coronavirus. The minimum income floor is an assumed level of income, which takes into account how much an individual would normally be expected to earn in a month, when calculating their entitlement to Universal Credit. Not having this minimum income floor in place, means that self-employed individuals will be able to claim for time they spend off work due to sickness.

Self-employed individuals in need of financial assistance will be able to apply for Universal Credit over the phone, without the need of attending a jobcentre. 

Self-employed individuals who do not have enough money to live on while they wait for their first Universal Credit payment, can ask for an advance payment. This can be done online or through their Jobcentre Plus work coach. To apply, individuals will need to:

• explain why they need an advance

• verify their identity (either when they apply online or during their first phone appointment with their work coach)

• provide bank account details for the advance

For more guidance visit the Government website.

I’m struggling to meet my Self-Assessment payments on account. Is help available?

If you’re due to pay a self-assessment payment on account by 31 July 2020 but won't be able to make the payment by that date due to Covid-19, then you may defer payment until January 2021. As of 24 September, this period has been extended by the Government. Those due to pay up to £30,000 in tax by 31 January 2021 will be able to use HMRC's 'Time to Pay' service to pay over an additional 12 months, meaning they won't need to pay in full until January 2022.

To defer these payments, you don't need to make an application.

During the deferral period, you can set up a budget payment plan to help you pay the deferred payment on account when it comes due. You can set up a payment plan by either setting one up online (via the GOV.UK website) or calling the Payment Support Service:

Payment Support Service

Telephone: 0300 200 3835

Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

I’m struggling to pay tax because of Covid-19. Is help available?

If you are struggling to pay VAT because of Coronavirus (COVID-19), you can defer VAT payments due before 30 June 2020 until 31 March 2021. If you choose to defer your VAT payment as a result of Coronavirus, you must pay the VAT due on or before 31 March 2021. You do not need to tell HMRC that you’re deferring your VAT payment. For more information read GOV.UK on Deferral of VAT payments.

If you deferred VAT payments between 20 March and 30 June 2020 and still have payments to make, you may also join the VAT deferral new payment scheme (open from 23 February including 21 June 2021).

This scheme allows you to:

• pay your deferred VAT in equal interest-free instalments

• choose the number of instalments, from 2 to 11 (depending on when you join)

For more information on how to join, read GOV.UK on Join the VAT deferral new payment scheme.

All self-employed people in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities may also be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC's Time to Pay Service. Support is arranged on a case-by-case basis and is tailored to individual circumstances. If you have missed a tax payment or you might miss your next payment due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), you can call HMRC's dedicated helpline: 0800 024 1222. If you're worried about a future payment, you can call HMRC nearer the time. For more information read GOV.UK on If you cannot pay your tax bill on time.

Do I have to go to work during the pandemic?

The Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy states that workers whose work can be done at home should continue working from home. This is intended to keep transmission as low as possible across England. 

However, if your work can’t be done at home (eg where you work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing), then the Government’s guidance advises that you can continue to travel to work/attend your workplace.

Where you continue to travel to work/attend your workplace, your employers should take necessary steps to ensure that the workplace follows the new safety guidelines. Some steps that they may consider in order to reduce unnecessary contact include:

• using screen or barriers to separate staff

• grouping employees in fixed teams to reduce the number of people each worker has contact with 

• increasing the frequency of surface cleaning

It remains the case that if you are or a member of your household is experiencing symptoms of the Coronavius, you should self-isolate and shouldn’t go to work. 

Where your workplace is opened and but you don’t wish to go into the office, you should speak to your employer about the possibility of working remotely and make a Flexible working request. Employers should listen to employees who are worried about going to work, but can't work from home, and should take steps to protect everyone. Your employer may allow you to take time off as annual leave or unpaid leave.

If you’re concerned that your employer isn’t taking all practical steps to promote social distancing, you should report to the local authority or the Health and Safety Executive. 

Please note that where you refuse to come to work without a valid reason, and do not wish to, or can't, take paid or unpaid leave, then you will not be entitled to sick pay and your employer may take disciplinary action against you.

I’m at risk of contracting the virus or living with vulnerable individuals, do I have to go back to work?

If you’re part of the high-risk group that has been classified as clinically extremely vulnerable, eg individuals on immunosuppressant drugs, then you’re strongly advised not to work outside of your home.

Where you’re considered as a clinically vulnerable individual, the Government has advised your employer to help you work from home either in your current role or in an alternate role. Where it is impossible for you to work from home, you should be offered the safest on-site roles available to enable you to stay 2m away from others. 

If you’re living with someone that’s clinically extremely vulnerable, you should notify your employer and they will have to take that into consideration when asking you to return to work. 

How should I get to work? 

If you cannot work from home, you can continue to use public transport. However, you may still wish to be cautious when it comes to public transport and may wish to avoid public transport to minimise close contact with others. You may, for example, consider cycling, walking or driving to work.

If you take public transport, you must continue to follow social distancing guidelines and must wear a face-covering.

I’m struggling to pay my rent. Can my landlord evict me?

The Government introduced emergency legislation in March 2020 to prevent landlords from evicting tenants affected by Covid-19 for an initial period of three months. This ban came to an end in September and possession hearings resumed. However, the Government has now announced a ban on bailiff evictions in England between 14 November 2020 and 31 May 2021. No eviction notices are to be served on tenants by bailiffs during this period, unless in extreme circumstances (eg anti-social behaviour and extreme rent arrears greater than 6 months).

Tenants will still need to pay their rent. If you are struggling to pay your rent, speak to your landlord and make them aware of the difficulties you are facing. Your landlord may agree to give you more time to pay your rent, or a rent reduction. Any agreement with your landlord should be put in writing. 

If a tenant falls into rent arrears tenants and landlords can agree a Rent repayment plan, based on the tenants’ individual circumstances.

Will the government help me pay my rent?

If you are claiming benefits and in rented accommodation, the government has announced a financial support package to be delivered through the current benefits system (ie housing benefit and Universal Credit).

What can I do if I'm struggling with mortgage repayments?

The Government introduced a three-month mortgage holiday in March 2020 for anyone struggling with their mortgage repayments as a result of Covid-19. All mortgage lenders should honour this three-month mortgage holiday and make it available to eligible property owners. 

If your mortgage holiday is coming to an end in June, you’ll be contacted by your lender to discuss repayment plans. The Government encourages anyone that can afford to restart payments to do so. However, the mortgage holiday can be extended for a further three months to assist individuals that are still struggling. 

As of 31 October 2020, the application for a mortgage holiday has been extended to 31 March 2021. Borrowers who have been impacted by Covid-19 and have not yet had a mortgage payment holiday will be entitled to a 6 month holiday. Those that have already started a mortgage payment holiday will be able to top up to 6 months without this being recorded on their credit file. Those who have already taken their full 6 month mortgage holiday, cannot apply for another one.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your mortgage repayments because of Covid-19, you speak to your mortgage lender about a mortgage holiday.

For more information, read Mortgage arrears.

My tenants are unable to pay their rent due to COVID-19, what can I do?

From 29 August 2020, landlords in England will generally need to give their tenants a minimum of 6 months’ eviction notice under the Coronavirus Act 2020. Where the tenant is in at least 6 months’ rent arrears, the landlord will need to give a minimum of 4 weeks’ eviction notice. Legislation is expected to stay in place until 31 May 2021. For more information read Repossessing property-section 21 notices and Repossessing property-section 8 notices.

From 24 July 2020, landlords in Wales will generally need to give their tenants a minimum of 6 months’ eviction notice under the Coronavirus Act 2020. Legislation is expected to stay in place until 31 March 2021. For more information read Repossessing property in Wales.

You could consider a temporary rent reduction or making a Rent repayment plan if your tenants are temporarily unable to pay the rent.

I am a lodger, what rules apply to me?

Lodgers are not covered by the same rules as tenants are (for further information, read Taking in a lodger). This means you may be at risk of being evicted during the Covid-19 epidemic.

Is there a Stamp Duty holiday?

The Government has announced a temporary Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday to stimulate the property market, effective from 8 July 2020.

This will exempt the first £500,000 of all property sales from SDLT.

That means that any property purchases below the new level of £500,000 will not attract SDLT as long as the deal is completed before 30 June 2021.

Individuals buying second homes and/or buy-to-let properties will also benefit, but will still have to pay the 3% extra duty due on the entire price.

Anyone completing a property purchase before 8 July 2020 will have to pay the full normal SDLT.

I’m self employed and cannot pay my income tax bill because of Covid-19. What can I do?

If you are self-employed, have already filed a Self Assessment, and owe less than £10,000 in income tax, you may be able to pay your tax bill in installments. You can do this by setting up a payment plan online. 

If you have missed a payment date or cannot set up a payment plan online, you should call HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline.

Are there any reliefs for council tax?

The Government has introduced council tax support for economically vulnerable people and households during the COVID-19 pandemic. This council tax relief is expected to be made available through existing Local Council Tax Support schemes, or through complementary reliefs. The level of support will be decided by each council,  taking into account  local circumstances and income and savings of low income households.

Councils are expected to apply reductions to council tax as soon as possible (from April 2020) and re-bill council tax payers as soon as reasonable. You should continue paying your council tax as normal unless your council says otherwise. You will be able to find out more by visiting your local councils website.

Can a child travel between households to see divorced parents?

The Government has clarified that where parents do not live in the same household, children (under 18) can be moved between their parents’ homes. 

Parents should try to continue to comply with their child arrangements during the current Coronavirus crisis. This means that while children can move between separated parents, they do not have to move between homes.

The child’s parents should decide whether it is in the best interest of the child to travel between separated parents or remain in one house. Parents should base this decision on their circumstances, including the health of the child, the risk of infection and the presence of any vulnerable individuals in the households. 

Where a child does not spend time with a parent as normally scheduled, the child and the parents should maintain regular contact via alternate means (eg video calls).

Any change to an existing arrangement (eg a non-key worker parent wishing to look after the child, while a key worker parent continues to go to work) should be recorded in writing.

Do we need to comply with an existing Child Arrangement Order?

If a Child Arrangement Order is in place, then this can generally be complied with unless the Order conflicts with the Government’s advice. 

An Order that conflicts with the Government’s advice can temporarily be varied by the parents’ joint agreement. Parents should record such an agreement in writing (eg in a note, email or text message sent to one another).

If the parents cannot agree to vary an existing Order, but one parent is sufficiently concerned that complying with the Order would be against Government advice, then that parent may unilaterally (ie without the other parent’s agreement) vary the Order. Please note that this is not usually permitted and could lead to a court claim if the other parent does not believe that changing the Order was reasonable and sensible.

Alternatively, where the parents cannot agree, they may make an application to the courts to vary the existing Order.

Similarly, parents wanting to continue with the current Order, can apply to the courts for enforcement if they believe this to be necessary.

Should a child travel between households if the child or someone in either household has/may have Covid-19?

If a child, or someone in either parents’ household, has coronavirus or is displaying symptoms of coronavirus, then they should be self-isolating and should not be travelling between households.

If you believe that your child may have contracted coronavirus, then you should follow the Government advice on reporting new Covid-19 cases.

Can I travel within the UK using public transport? 

To minimise transmission, you’re encouraged to work from home whenever possible and to shop locally. 

Whilst the UK is under lockdown restrictions, you should avoid travelling in or out of your local area, and you should look to reduce the number of journeys you make. You may however continue to travel for a number of reasons, including:

• travelling to work where this cannot be done from home

• travelling to education and for caring responsibilities

• hospital and other medical appointments 

• hospital visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health

Note that you must not travel if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus symptoms, are sharing a household or support bubble with somebody with symptoms, or have been told to self-isolate after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

From 15 June 2020, you must wear face coverings when travelling with public transport in England unless you’re exempt. Anyone who fails to follow this rule is breaking the law and may be fined. 

You should also wear face coverings in other enclosed spaces eg stations, taxis and private hire vehicles. 

Read How to wear and make a face covering to learn the proper way to wear and make face coverings. 

For more information about this requirement, read the Government’s Safer travel guidance for passengers.

Can I still travel abroad?

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all non-essential international travel.

If you have to travel abroad, you should check for all up-to-date travel guidance on the Government website. You should also contact your insurer and ensure that you are covered for your travel.

If you have a holiday booked, check the guidance provided by your airline, travel agent or other holiday provider. You may be able to get a refund or re-book your holiday for a different time.

Where you are cancelling your holiday because you are directly affected by Covid-19 or because you are following the Government’s guidance, you should contact your travel insurer to see if your cancellation will be covered.

I have a flight coming up to return to the UK, what should I be aware of?

In February 2021, the Government announced that anyone entering England from a country on the red list has to quarantine for 10 days in a hotel that has been approved and is managed as a quarantine hotel. You will have to pay for the hotel yourself and are required to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and on or after day 8 of quarantine. Countries can be added and taken off the list at any time at the Government’s discretion. 

If you are entering the UK from a country that is not on the red list, you must take a COVID-19 test and test negative during the three days before you enter the UK. When you arrive in the UK you must quarantine for 10 days and complete a passenger locator form providing details of where you will be quarantining. You are also required to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and on or after day 8 of quarantine. More guidance is available on quarantining on arrival to the UK.

You should be mindful that different rules apply depending on which part of the UK you’re travelling to.

These rules apply to both residents and visitors travelling to the UK. If you refuse to provide contact details or to self-isolate, you may be fined or you may face further action. 

Those travelling from Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man aren’t subject to these requirements. To see if you may be exempted, read the Government’s guidance for travellers exempt from UK border rules.

For more information, read the Government’s guidance on Entering the UK.

What is the latest update on social distancing rules?

You are still encouraged to stay 2 metres apart whenever possible. However, where this isn’t viable, you should remain at least 1 metre apart and take measures to mitigate transmission. This includes minimising time spent with people from other households, meeting outdoors and washing your hands frequently.

On public transport, this includes wearing face coverings.

What are the lockdown rules?

In February 2021, the Government outlined a roadmap out of lockdown. This is based on the success of the national vaccination programme, with plans to vaccinate all adults over 18 by the end of July. The roadmap includes a gradual easing of all social distancing measures and restrictions. 

From 8 March 2021, schools will reopen. From 29 March, outdoor gatherings of up to six people or two different households will be allowed. This includes private gardens. Outdoor sports facilities (eg tennis courts) will also reopen and the ‘stay at home’ rule will end but the public are still encouraged to minimise travel as much as possible.

From 12 April at the earliest, all non-essential retail, gyms, salons and self-contained accommodation (eg self catering holiday homes and campsites) will be allowed to reopen. Outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks will be allowed to reopen and outdoor hospitality can resume (eg pub gardens). There will be no curfew for hospitality venues. Weddings with 15 people and funerals with 30 people can take place. 

From 17 May at the earliest, up to 30 people can meet outdoors and six people or two households can meet indoors. Indoor hospitality and hotels will reopen and so will entertainment venues such as cinemas. Indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 and outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 will be allowed to hold events such as performances or sports events. Up to 30 people will also be allowed to attend weddings and funerals. 

From 21 June at the earliest, all legal limits on social distancing will be lifted and parts of the economy still closed such as nightclubs, will be allowed to reopen.

These are provisional dates set by the government and could change.

Can I move home?

Property moves and viewings have resumed in England. Potential buyers and renters can now visit show homes and view houses on the market to let or buy. Anyone who has already bought or rented a new home, can now prepare and begin to move.

Is it compulsory to wear face masks in public?

From 15 June 2020, you must wear face coverings when travelling with public transport in England unless you’re exempt. Anyone who fails to follow this rule is breaking the law and may be fined. 

You should also wear face coverings in other enclosed spaces eg stations, taxis and private hire vehicles. From 24 September, face coverings must also be worn where you are taking a cab.

From 24 July 2020, you must wear face coverings in shops and supermarkets in England. From 24 September, the mandatory rule for face coverings extends to all retail, leisure and hospitality staff (eg staff working in pubs, restaurants and shops).

Anyone who fails to follow this rule is breaking the law and may be fined £200. The penalty can be repeatedly doubled for subsequent offences, up to a maximum of £6,400.

For more information, read Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own.