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<p>On 12 March 2020 regulations (The Employment and Support Allowance and Universal
Credit (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020) were laid to give effect to the measures outlined
in the Budget, designed to help delay the spread of COVID-19 and ensure people are
not penalised for doing the right thing. This will represent a boost of almost £500
million to the welfare system and ensure work search and work availability requirements
within Universal Credit (UC) are switched off. Affected self-employed claimants will
also not have a Minimum Income Floor (as assumed level of income) applied for a period
of time within UC.</p><p> </p><p>To avoid increasing the burden on health care professionals
and the risk of further infection, we are removing the requirement for fit notes in
relation to both Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and UC claims relating to
COVID-19 only. In line with current NHS guidance; anyone required to self-isolate
or having COVID-19 will be treated as having Limited Capability for Work in ESA and
UC without the requirement for medical evidence or undergoing a Work Capability Assessment.</p><p>
</p><p>In addition, to better support the needs of people (particularly the self-employed
and those not eligible for SSP) and/or not entitled to UC, we are removing the seven
waiting days that currently apply to ESA. This means that everyone who makes a new
claim for ESA; is entitled to the benefit and is infected with Covid-19 or required
to self-isolate will be paid from day one of their claim.</p><p> </p><p>Government
officials continue to work closely together to understand the potential impacts of
COVID-19 on employment and benefits. The Department has introduced new guidance about
claiming benefits which can be found at: <a href="https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/"
target="_blank">https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/</a></p>
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