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<p>The Government has committed to an unprecedented package to support individuals
through this difficult time. This includes the introduction of the Coronavirus Job
Retention and Self-Employment Income Support Schemes, as well as injecting an additional
£9 billion into the welfare system according to Office for Budget Responsibility estimates.</p><p>
</p><p>Individuals asked to isolate by the Test and Trace service will be eligible
for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they are unable to work from home. This is in addition
to changes already made, which make SSP payable from day one rather than day four
of absence from work. Employees will still be entitled to claim SSP from their employers
even if they are asked to self-isolate several times. An SSP Rebate Scheme was announced
at Budget to support SMEs which may face a financial strain due to staff absences
caused by Covid-19.</p><p> </p><p>Self-employed people are eligible for “new style”
Contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if they are incapable of work
due to COVID-19, including all those who are required to self-isolate according to
Government guidance. The Government has made it easier for people to claim by removing
the seven-day waiting period which means people can get support from day one.</p><p>
</p><p>The welfare system is best placed to provide support for those not eligible
for SSP. This group will benefit from changes to the welfare system to support the
most vulnerable. These changes include a £20 per week increase to the Universal Credit
(UC) standard allowance and Working Tax Credit basic element, and a nearly £1 billion
increase in support for renters through increases to the Local Housing Allowance rates
for UC and Housing Benefit claimants.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, the Department for
Health and Social Care recently launched a trial for a new payment for those self-isolating
in the highest risk areas in England. Starting with a trial in Blackburn with Darwen,
Pendle and Oldham, individuals will be eligible if they are unable to work from home
while self-isolating. This payment is in addition to the welfare safety net and SSP,
providing a further incentive to self-isolate.</p><p>It will be available to people
currently receiving at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working
Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s
Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit.</p>
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