AQW 9177/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 21/10/2020
Answered On Date: 03/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities when she will introduce a Test and Trace Support Payment, as is in place in England.

Answer:

On 25 March Minister Hargey responded swiftly to the pandemic by introducing a non-repayable Discretionary Support COVID-19 living expenses grant where a person or a member of their immediate family is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is advised to self-isolate in accordance with guidance published by the Public Health Agency.

There is no limit on the number of Discretionary Support COVID19 awards a person may receive as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. The amount payable is based on each applicant’s individual circumstances and will include a specific amount for all dependent children in the household.

As we continue to respond to the impacts of the pandemic I will keep this under review.