AQW 3574/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 12/03/2020
Answered On Date: 23/06/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether all the measures outlined in the Chancellor’s budget, regarding social security due to the coronavirus outbreak, will also be implemented in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

The following measures relating to Statutory Sick Pay (SPP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit (UC) have been introduced here with effect from 13 March 2020 with the intention of financially assisting those who need to self-isolate for medical reasons and to inhibit the spread of the virus, thereby protecting others -

those who need to self-isolate for medical reasons to protect others are treated as being ill. They do not need to go to a GP.

there will be a temporary removal of the 3 day waiting period for SSP and compensation in respect of the employers liability for sick pay will be made available.

the removal of the 7 waiting days for people who make a new claim for ESA due to public health emergency restrictions arising from the Covid-19 outbreak.

for ESA and UC, treating those affected as having limited capability for work from the outset without a fit note, an assessment or some form of statutory public health notice. The effect of this will be that any work related requirements will be switched off. For self-employed claimants, this will include the ‘Minimum Income Floor’. Some claimants will also gain access to a work allowance, and, if they have a partner who is working, access to help with childcare costs.

people who are self-isolating in response to the Public Health Advice are eligible for SSP.

Additionally, anyone who finds themselves in a crisis situation can apply to the Discretionary Support Scheme for assistance with short-term living expenses. Discretionary Support is available to people in employment as long as their income does not exceed £16,286 per year.