1
Roundup of recent DWP announcements
Jobcentre Plus arrangements over the festive period
Jobcentre Plus opening hours are different over Christmas and New Year.
To make sure people receive their payments on a day when Jobcentre Plus offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.
Monthly-paid Universal Credit claimants who have two payments in one assessment period as a result of an early payment do not need to worry.
Thanks to changes we made to the rules, they can have the second payment moved to another assessment period. This ensures stability for claimants when receiving their benefit.
When two monthly payments are received in one assessment period claimants should report it to their work coach.
Fit note temporary changes
From Friday 17 December 2021 to 26 January 2022 inclusive, DWP is making temporary changes to support the rollout of COVID-19 booster jabs.
Self-certification for sickness will be extended from seven to 28 days for people accessing Statutory Sick Pay, and there will be no requirement for a fit note to access other benefits.
These requirements will be reinstated from 27 January 2022.
COVID-19 update and toolkit
Cabinet Office have shared their latest COVID-19 influencer and stakeholder toolkit, with messages and assets on the ramped up booster vaccination programme. The toolkit also includes information on Plan B and the Every Mind Matters campaign.
Please support the programme, through your own social media channels, to encourage your audiences about the importance of getting vaccinated this winter.
teacakeclub.org 