If you're an employee, there's a number of different government schemes that you should be aware of in the wake of COVID-19. If you would like further information on the following guidance, please check the article on the gov.uk website.
Statutory Sick Pay
If you are too ill to work, you will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This amounts to £94.25 a week and you can receive it for 28 weeks. If you are living with someone who has exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 and are under a household quarantine, you are also entitled to Statutory Sick Pay. SSP is currently being legislated to start from Day 1 as opposed to the previous Day 4 of sickness and will apply retroactively from 13th March.
Isolation notes
You no longer need to visit the GP to obtain a sick note - instead you can got to NHS 111 online and they'll be able to send you a sick note. These will also be accepted by the Jobcentre Plus.
Self-employed?
If you are earning below the lower limit of £118 a week, or you are self employed - meaning that you are not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay, you can claim new-style Employment and Support Allowance as well as make a claim for Universal Credit. You can do the majority of this online, and in-person assessments for Employment and Support Allowance have been replaced with telephone interviews. This is payable from Day 1 of sickness rather than Day 8 if you have COVID-19.
Furloughed workers
For employers that cannot cover staff costs due to COVID-19, they can access support to continue paying part of your wage through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Through this scheme you are classified as a furloughed worker so you are kept on the company payroll rather than being made redundant. Your employer can claim up to 80% of your wage up to £2,500 a month.
Claiming benefits
If your pay has reduced as a result of COVID-19, or you are out of work you will be able to access Universal Credit. There is also support for rent costs, which is paid through Universal Credit.
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