The families of health and care workers on the frontline in England will benefit from a life assurance scheme during the covid-19 pandemic.
The Department of Health and Social Care developed the initiative after discussions with health and social care unions over the increased risk faced by staff.
The programme will cover coronavirus-related deaths of workers in frontline health, and adult and children’s social care roles during the outbreak.”
It will also cover staff who provide hands-on personal care for people who have contracted coronavirus or work in health or care settings where the virus is present.
The scheme is time-limited, providing cover for the duration of the pandemic.
Eligibility
Bereaved family members will receive a £60,000 ($74,801, €68,941) lump sum worth around twice the average pensionable pay for National Health Service (NHS) staff.
This will cover full, part-time or locum NHS and public health workers; including GPs, dentists, retired staff, and second and final year students taking up paid frontline roles.
Within social care, the scheme will cover employees of publicly-funded care homes, home care, directly-employed carers; including personal assistants, and frontline child and family social workers.
The scheme also extends to those providing direct care, as well as cleaners and porters who continue to carry out vital duties at care environments.
Employers will be asked to initiate claims on behalf of the individual’s families, and claims will be verified and processed by the NHS Business Services Authority.
Easing financial worries
Matt Hancock, health and social care secretary, said: “Nothing can make up for the tragic loss of a loved one during this pandemic. We owe a huge debt to those who die in service to our nation and are doing everything we can to protect them.
“Financial worries should be the last thing on the minds of their families, so, in recognition of these unprecedented circumstances, we are expanding financial protection to NHS and social care workers delivering publicly funded care on the frontline.
“We will continue to strive night and day to provide them with the support and protection they need and deserve to keep them safe, as they work tirelessly to save lives.”
