AQW 30046/17-22
Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford
Tabled Date: 21/02/2022
Answered On Date: 24/02/2022
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the work being taken forward to establish an online applications portal through which Personal Assistant Carers can make a direct, individual application for their Special Recognition Payment.
Answer:
Personal Assistants (PAs) employed through the use of Direct Payments from Health and Social Care Trusts or payments from the Independent Living Fund or Thalidomide Health Grant are eligible for the recognition payment. Eligibility to the scheme will apply to adult Personal Assistants provided they were employed for a continuous 4 week period between 17 March 2020 and 31 January 2021. Those who were absent due to shielding, on sick leave, on maternity, paternity, adoption leave, or furloughed will be treated as though they were employed for a continuous 4 week period. PAs who have since left or retired, who worked at least a 4 week continuous period are also eligible. Urgent work is currently being taken forward to establish an online applications portal through which PAs can make a direct, individual application for their Special Recognition Payment. Subject to verification and eligibility checks, payment will be made directly to the PA’s personal bank account. A suite of FAQs will be provided on the online portal to assist with the process and a helpline will also be provided to assist those for example who do not have access to the internet. A FAQ on the special recognition payment has been published on the Department’s website and is available at the following link; https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/hsc-staff-recognition-payment-faqs Further updates will be provided on timing in due course.
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