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<p>Furloughed employees must have been on their employer’s PAYE payroll and HMRC must
have received an RTI (Real Time Information) submission notifying payment in respect
of that employee on or before 19 March 2020. The use of RTI allows HMRC to verify
claims in the most efficient and timely way, ensuring payments can be made quickly
while reducing the risk of fraud. Without the use of RTI returns it would be difficult
to verify claims without significant additional checks, which would delay payment
for genuine claims. It is possible for individuals who were on their employer’s PAYE
payroll on or before 28 February 2020, but not 19 March 2020, to be rehired and furloughed.
Further guidance on this can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government is also supporting people on low incomes who need to rely on
the welfare system, through a significant package of temporary measures. This includes
a £20 per week increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance and Working Tax
Credit basic element, and a nearly £1bn increase in support for renters through increases
to the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants.
These changes will benefit all new and existing claimants. Anyone can check their
eligibility and apply for Universal Credit by visiting <a href="https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit</a>.</p>
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