On #coronavirus, we are calling for further support for people claiming universal credit and other benefits who must self-isolate to reduce the risk of spreading Corona virus...
Jobcentre staff need clear guidance enabling them to lift work-search and other requirements on claimants who must self-isolate, in addition to the Budget announcement to lift the requirement to physically attend benefit offices...
Our CEO @alisongcpag said: “It is critical that universal credit payments are made available immediately on a non-repayable basis to anyone self-isolating who needs to claim.”
If schools close, there should be an emergency uplift in child benefit at least to the value of free school meals to ensure all parents can provide their children with adequate healthy food at a time when family incomes are likely to be reduced as parents have to stay off work.
Work-search/work-preparation requirements should be lifted for parents self-isolating or where children are required to stay off school.
And there should be a temporary uplift in key benefits to ensure people who have to self-isolate can afford to eat healthily and heat their homes.
Sanctions and deductions should be lifted if they are self-isolating, and/or people who are sanctioned and self-isolating should have automatic immediate access to a hardship payment.
