Money Matters Update No 15 16/04/20

NORTH AYRSHIRE

WELFARE RIGHTS ADVICE IN NORTH AYRSHIRE Health & Social Care Partnership

Statutory sick pay for those who are ‘shielding’

New regulations, in force from 16 April 2020, have been issued in

relation to entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for those who are

'shielding' as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The new regulations amend the definition of who are deemed to be

incapable of work by reason of coronavirus, to also include a person

who:

▪ Is defined in public health guidance as extremely vulnerable and at

very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus because of an

underlying health condition; and

▪ has been advised, by notification sent to, or in respect of, that

person in accordance with that guidance, to follow rigorously

shielding measures for the period specified in the notification.

Extension of eligibility cut-off date for the Coronavirus

Job Retention Scheme

Originally, employees to be furloughed had to be employed and on

the PAYE payroll on 28 February 2020, this has now been extended

to 19 March 2020 by the government.

The government expects the Job Retention Scheme to be fully

operational by next week. HMRC are to be responsible for the

payment and management of amounts to be paid under the scheme.

Money Matters Update No 15 16/04/20

NORTH AYRSHIRE

WELFARE RIGHTS ADVICE IN NORTH AYRSHIRE Health & Social Care Partnership

Scottish Welfare Fund Independent Reviews

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) carry out

independent reviews of decisions that councils make on community

care and crisis grant applications.

Both Crisis and Community Care Grants can be challenged at

Independent Review after the decision is made at first tier review.

Money Matters recently successfully represented a client at the

Independent Review stage following a refusal of a Crisis Grant.

Contact our Advice Line (Phone 01294 310048 / 01294 310456) if

you require advice and assistance to dispute a Scottish Welfare Fund

decision.

Further information on Independent Review is available at:

https://www.spso.org.uk/scottishwelfarefund/

Scottish Social Security Changes to Eligibility Rules

The Scottish Government has temporarily changed eligibility for

several social security benefits.

This is to help people who are impacted by coronavirus and can't get

an application in on time, due to things such as illness or caring

responsibilities to allow them to get the support that they need.

Money Matters Update No 15 16/04/20

NORTH AYRSHIRE

WELFARE RIGHTS ADVICE IN NORTH AYRSHIRE Health & Social Care Partnership

Best Start Grant

If someone does not get any other benefits, they normally need to be

under 18 to be eligible for Best Start Grant. If they could not apply

before they turned 18 because of disruption caused by coronavirus

(COVID-19), an application will still be considered.

Pregnancy and baby payment

A baby normally needs to be under 6 months old for a parent to be

eligible for Pregnancy and Baby Payment. If they could not apply

before the baby turned six months old due to the disruption caused

by coronavirus (COVID-19), an application will still be considered.

Early Learning Payment

A child normally needs to be between 2 years old and 3 years 6

months old for a parent or carer to be eligible for Early Learning

Payment. If they could not apply before then due to the disruption

caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), an application will still be

considered.

Funeral Support Payment

If a person could not apply for Funeral Support Payment within six

months of the funeral taking place due to the disruption caused by

coronavirus (COVID-19), an application will still be considered.

Young Carer Grant

Money Matters Update No 15 16/04/20

NORTH AYRSHIRE

WELFARE RIGHTS ADVICE IN NORTH AYRSHIRE Health & Social Care Partnership

A young carer normally needs to be under 19 years old. If they could

not apply before they turned 19 because of disruption caused by

coronavirus (COVID-19), an application will still be considered.

https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/news/making-sure-people-

impacted-by-covid-19-get-our-support

@NA_MoneyMatters