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<p>As part of the Government’s strategy to support people affected by COVID 19, DWP
has made a number of changes to make sure people can self-isolate, and to ensure people
who need financial help have access to the benefit system.</p><p> </p><ul><li>We have
introduced new provisions making Statutory Sick Pay payable from day 1 – as opposed
to day 4 – where an eligible individual is sick, self-isolating or shielding (in England
and Wales).</li><li>If their income is reduced while sick or self-isolating and they
require further financial support, individuals may be able to claim Universal Credit
and new style Employment and Support Allowance, depending on their individual circumstances.</li></ul><p>We
have increased the Universal Credit standard allowance by £20 per week for the next
12 months – up to £1,040 this year. This is in addition to the 1.7% inflation increase
(announced Nov 2019) as part of the Government’s decision to end the benefits freeze
and means more financial support for millions of people across the UK.</p>
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