AQW 9177/17-22 Written question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities when she will introduce a Test and Trace Support Payment, as is in place in England.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 21 October 2020
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 21 October 2020
- Answer due by
- 5 November 2020
- Answered
- 3 November 202013 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
On 25 March Minister Hargey responded swiftly to the pandemic by introducing a non-repayable Discretionary Support COVID-19 living expenses grant where a person or a member of their immediate family is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is advised to self-isolate in accordance with guidance published by the Public Health Agency.
There is no limit on the number of Discretionary Support COVID19 awards a person may receive as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. The amount payable is based on each applicant’s individual circumstances and will include a specific amount for all dependent children in the household.
As we continue to respond to the impacts of the pandemic I will keep this under review.