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<p>Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) provides a minimum level of income for employees when
they are sick or incapable of work. SSP is payable from the first day of absence from
work, rather than the fourth, where an individual is unable to work due to COVID19.
It is paid by employers at £95.85 per week for up to 28 weeks in any one period of
entitlement. Some employers may also decide to pay more, and for longer, through Occupational
Sick Pay.</p><p> </p><p>SSP is just one part of our welfare safety net and our wider
government offer to support people in times of need, and we have taken steps to strengthen
that safety net. Where an individual’s income is reduced while off work sick and they
require further financial support, for example where they are not eligible for SSP,
they may be able to claim Universal Credit and new style Employment and Support Allowance,
depending on their personal circumstances. The Government introduced a package of
temporary welfare measures worth around £9.3 billion this year to help with the financial
consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the £20 weekly increase to the
Universal Credit Standard Allowance rates as a temporary measure for the 20/21 tax
year. We are continuing to work with the Treasury on the best ways to support those
receiving benefits.</p><p> </p><p>To help support people in Northern Ireland during
the COVID-19 pandemic the Department for Communities has put in place additional support.
Financial support may be available for short-term living expenses for those who have
a positive Covid-19 diagnosis or are in self-isolation. A non-repayable Discretionary
Support Self Isolation Grant may be available for those who are on a low income and
are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of being told to self-isolate.</p><p>
</p><p><strong>Background</strong></p><p>To help support people during the COVID-19
pandemic the Department for Communities has put in place additional support. This
includes:</p><ul><li>a non-repayable Discretionary Support self-isolation grant payment
to assist with short term living expenses where a person, or any member of their immediate
family, is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is advised to self-isolate in accordance with
guidance published by the Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well-being
and</li><li>extending Discretionary Support to full-time students suffering financial
hardship as a direct result of COVID-19</li></ul>
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