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welfare rights
Financial help at a time of Covid-19

In response to the coronavirus crisis, the government has the time of writing and this is likely to
relaxed rules around claiming benefits and is offering financial continue for a while. Assessments with
the claimant can now be done over the
support to people in work, says Charlie Callanan phone. Health assessors can still make
paper-based PIP assessments using
application forms and documents such as
f a person has a job but is too sick to medical reports, letters and care plans.
work or has to self-isolate, they may be For clients whose PIP award is about to
Iable to claim welfare benefits or other end, their award may be extended at its
types of financial relief to help them current level during the crisis. Any person
through the ongoing crisis. in this position should contact the PIP unit
Two main schemes to help employers to confirm this.
and people in work were set up in Carers remain entitled to carer’s
March, and have since been amended allowance if they have a temporary break
and extended. in caring because either they or the
The job retention scheme provides a people they care for have to isolate
grant to employers so they can pay the because of Covid-19 infection.
wages of staff on their payroll who are A £500 million hardship fund has been
temporarily not working – known as being established to provide additional relief for
furloughed – during the coronavirus households in England that are struggling
outbreak. For self-employed people, the to pay their council tax bills. In Scotland,
government introduced the Self-Employed the council tax support fund has been
Income Support Scheme, which pays a increased by £50 million. Clients should
taxable grant to those eligible that contact their local authority about
depends on their taxable profits. applying for this.
People who are off work because they The DWP has dealt with a huge increase
are ill or have to self-isolate should be Can’t get to work? You could get benefits or the
eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP). Staff government may cover most of your wages
commonly get sick pay as part of their Carers remain entitled to carer’s
employment contract, and this will approximately £20 a week (around £1,000 allowance if they have a break
include SSP. People employed through an a year). It is important that any client who
agency count as an employee so can get is already receiving a pre-UC, means- because they or the people
SSP, but those with self-employed status tested benefit (such as income-related they care for have to isolate
cannot get it. ESA or housing benefit) gets advice from
an experienced welfare rights adviser
Employment and support allowance before claiming UC.
People who do not qualify for SSP or who in benefit claims and demands on its
have already claimed for the maximum 28 Claiming at a distance services because of the coronavirus crisis.
weeks for which it can be paid may be Measures to protect the health of both As always, clients should get advice and
able to get employment and support Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) make a claim for benefits or other
allowance (ESA). This is usually awarded staff and clients have been introduced. financial support as early as possible.
to claimants who have “limited capability Job centres were closed in late March to As Community Living was going to press,
for work”. all but the most vulnerable claimants, the picture was changing, with some
Any person who has coronavirus such as homeless people, who were to be financial support provided for a fixed
symptoms or is self-isolating is deemed to seen by appointment only. The usual work period and other forms of support and
have limited capability for work, so does availability and work search requirements relaxation of the rules, such as those
not need to provide a fit note from a have been suspended for claimants who around benefit claims, expected to last for
doctor. If a client has Covid-19 or is have to look for work. Having to attend longer periods. Readers should always
self-isolating and needs to provide an appointments at job centres in person seek the most up-to-date information and
“isolation note” (for their employer, for was suspended from 19 March. advice available. n
example), one can be obtained at The application process for UC involves
https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/. verifying the claimant’s identity. People Charlie Callanan is an adviser and writer
Normally, there are “waiting days” can now verify who they are over the on welfare rights
before a person can be paid SSP or ESA. phone as job centres are closed.
These have been suspended where the Since the crisis, the DWP has made the Further information and advice
claim is related to Covid-19. welcome change of allowing people to Department for Work and Pensions.
Christy Lawrance credit (UC) even if they get SSP or ESA. UC, ESA and personal independence claimants and businesses. Press release. 19
claim ESA and pension credits online.
A ciient may be able to claim universal
Coronavirus support for employees, benefit
All face-to-face medical assessments for
The basic allowances in UC (and working
March. https://tinyurl.com/wvykjtq
Citizens Advice. www.citizensadvice.org.uk
payments (PIPs) had been suspended at
tax credit) were increased in April by
www.cl-initiatives.co.uk Community Living Vol 33 No 4 | Summer 2020 7