to be annoyed with this relatives naivety

[solarisbabe]

I won't be paid whilst my work place is closed (zero hour contract) and will have to pay higher bills - heating, electricity, food etc - with the DCs at home.

I spoke to a relative who said the government will pay me unemployment benefit so I will have "plenty of money" and everything will be fine.

Surely you can claim UC now? I mean it's not plenty of money but it's something

Ignore her. You can get a mortgage 'holiday' now, or if renting they are reviewing today, strategy for renters who've lost their job & landlords who need the income. Poundshops & B&M near me in NE London are restocking daily if that's any help. (they have milk, ham, pasties, noodles, beans, bread etc).

I get tax credits so will have to live on those I expect, I don't know - if I'm not working I don't know if I will still get them because I will be below the minimum weekly hours.

Oh crap that's true. You would have to switch to UC. They get updated from HMRC don't they, so they will know if you aren't earning

You wull still get child tax credits you can update it on manage your tax credits online you might be owed whatever final amount they calculate just change your details and check they normal sort it pretty quick

I will lose at least £600 a month at least then, as a lone parent that's not going to work

Try not to get too down the government are being pressured into offering financial help to everyone. People should understand as most people are going to have problems.

Tomorrow you must apply for universal credit - you have effectively lost your job and need to get that in place as soon as you can.

It may also be worth calling your debtors to discuss your payments. o2 for example have welcomed customers to call them to discuss payments during this time, and I'm sure other providers will do the same. Try your internet provider and see if they can do anything for you, same with other utilities. If you have a loan, call and ask for a holiday from it. If you have a mortgage, the same. If you're renting privately, call your landlord and express your worries and see if a temporary reduced rate with the excess in arrears can be arranged.

I would get looking for work? Maybe a support worker position - then you’re a key worker, work won’t shut and you can specify the hours you want

I am a key worker but have a zero hour contract. I have been told I will be expected to work 4 hours a week instead of the 25 I was doing.