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The eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 License Assistance Plan have been expanded to provide more support to workers who need to isolate themselves but cannot work from home amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
New Zealand money. Source: istock.com
The expanded scheme will cover people who have symptoms similar to Covid-19 and meet the criteria of the Ministry of Health, and need to isolate themselves while waiting for the results of a Covid-19 test; persons ordered to isolate themselves or on the advice of their physician by a Medical Health Officer or her delegate, even if they have no symptoms or have tested negative.
It will also include people who have Covid-19-like symptoms working in the health, disability, and elderly care sectors who need to get tested and stay home while they wait for their results; and the parent or caregiver of a dependent who is instructed to self-isolate and needs support to do so safely.
The news was announced today by the Minister of Labor Relations and Safety, Andrew Little, and the Minister of Social Development, Carmel Sepuloni, in a joint statement.
“The Covid-19 license support scheme has been effective in helping workers isolate themselves and break the chain of virus transmission. We have continued to review the scheme to ensure it provides support where needed,” said Little . .
“Now we are improving the scheme, to cover those who have been told or recommended to self-isolate and cannot work from home. We want them to do the right thing, get tested for Covid-19 and stay The grant period will also be equated with the general two week self-isolation requirement.
“We expect the scheme to be necessary for some time to come and for this reason additional changes are being considered as we seek to refine the scheme to ensure it provides the best possible support.”
You can find more information on the extended eligibility criteria and who can access the License Support Program on the Work and Income website.
Plan payments will now cover a two-week period, the amount of time for which most people must isolate themselves. If a longer period of self-isolation is required, employers can request an additional two-week pay.
The plan’s weekly rates will remain at $ 585.80 for full-time workers and $ 350 for part-time workers. Other existing features of the Covid-19 license support scheme remain the same.
“One of our lines of defense is to self-isolate, test, and break the chain of transmission. We know that many workers may feel pressured to continue working, even if they are symptomatic. Expanding the eligibility criteria means that these workers will be able to continue to work. and maintain their work connections, “Sepuloni said.
The changes will take effect on Monday and will continue to be administered by the Ministry of Social Development. Requests made until the changes take effect will continue to be processed and approved.
“Employees and employers should continue to work together to identify if employees are eligible for support and agree on what their leave and pay arrangements will be during the self-isolation period,” Sepuloni said.
