How to Apply for Covid Recognition Payment?

The Covid Recognition Payment is a one-off payment intended to reward eligible agency workers for their work during the Covid 19 pandemic. To apply for this payment, agency workers must meet certain eligibility criteria.

The qualifying period for the payment is from 17 March 2020 to 31 January 2021. During this period, agency workers must have been on a minimum 12-week placement with a host organization. The placement can be cumulative across different placements within the same host organization as long as there was no break of six or more weeks.

There is no minimum time commitment per week, but the placement must cover employment in one host organization for at least 12 weeks. The maximum number of hours that can be claimed per week is 37.5 for AFC workers and 40 for staff on M&D rates.

Agency workers who have worked in more than one host organization must have been on a 12-week placement in each organization to be eligible for payment.

Eligibility Criteria for Covid Recognition Payment

Eligible agency workers for the Covid Recognition Payment are those who have been on a minimum 12-week placement with a host organization during the qualifying period. This period is from 17 March 2020 to 31 January 2021. The payment is not available to all agency workers and there are certain criteria that need to be met.

Agency workers must have completed the 12-week placement within the host organization and have been covering one post. If an agency worker has worked across multiple host organizations, they must have completed a 12-week placement in each organization to be eligible for payment. The payment is not available to agency workers who have been on furlough or who have been paid enhanced rates. Staff who have been dismissed for misconduct or who have been on a career break for the duration of the qualifying period will also not be eligible.

How to Apply for Covid Recognition Payment?

1. Complete the Covid Recognition Payment application form per HSC organization for all eligible workers.
2. Submit the claim forms and required supporting documentation.
3. Send the completed claim forms and documentation to the designated email address.
4. Ensure all claims are submitted before the specified deadline.

Once the agency submits the claim forms and supporting documentation, the application will be processed, and eligible agency workers will receive the Covid Recognition Payment. It is important to follow the application instructions carefully and provide all necessary information to avoid delays in payment.

Application Process for Covid Recognition Payment

Applying for the Covid Recognition Payment is a straightforward process that requires completion and submission of a claim form. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the payment online:

1. Download the claim form from the designated website of your Health and Social Care (HSC) organization.
2. Fill out the claim form accurately, providing all the necessary details for each eligible agency worker.
3. Remember to use separate claim forms for AFC T&Cs and M&D rates. However, present both forms on a single PDF invoice for ease of submission.
4. Once the forms are complete, compile them along with the PDF invoice.
5. Send the completed claim forms and PDF invoice to the designated email address for submission.

Required Supporting Documentation

To support your claim, it is important to provide the required documentation for a random sample of employees listed on the claim forms. The documentation includes:

• A P60 report for the 2020/21 Financial Year, which verifies the employee’s earnings and tax paid during that period.
• Evidence of payment to the agency worker, such as payslips or bank statements.

Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the required documentation will expedite the processing of your claim.

“Accuracy and completeness of documentation are crucial in expediting the processing of your claim.”

Once your claim has been submitted, eligible agency workers will receive payments in accordance with the amount due. It’s important to note that the payment is made to agency workers directly by the agency itself. The agency will then submit an invoice for the funding required to cover the payments made. Agencies will also be reimbursed for administering the payment to staff.

The Covid Recognition Payment is subject to tax and National Insurance deductions. Therefore, agency workers should expect the payment amount to reflect these deductions.

Please note that these timeframes are approximate and subject to the volume of claims received and processing times.

By following the application process and submitting accurate and complete documentation, you can ensure a smooth and efficient experience in applying for the Covid Recognition Payment.

Payments to Staff in the Independent Sector

The Covid Recognition Payment also extends to eligible staff in the independent sector. This means that staff working in the independent sector can also apply for the payment and receive recognition for their work during the Covid 19 pandemic. However, it’s important to note that the payment process for staff in the independent sector is carried out in two phases.

Phase 1: Eligible Staff in Care Homes, Domiciliary Care, and Supported Living Schemes

The first phase of the payment covered eligible staff in specific sectors such as Care Homes, Domiciliary Care, and Supported Living Schemes. These staff members were prioritized for recognition due to their crucial role in providing care and support to vulnerable individuals during the pandemic.

Phase 2: Remaining Services and Staff within the Independent Sector

The second phase of the payment covers the remaining services and staff within the independent sector. This phase aims to ensure that all eligible staff in the independent sector have the opportunity to receive the Covid Recognition Payment for their dedicated work during the pandemic.

In order to receive the payment, employers in the independent sector need to submit relevant information for their eligible staff. This information should be provided along with completing the claim template provided by the authorized department.

It’s important to note that claims for the payment must be submitted before the specified deadline to ensure timely processing and payment.

After the information is submitted, it will be verified by the Business Services Organization (BSO) on behalf of the Department. Once the information is verified, payments to providers will be made accordingly.

The process for payments to staff in the independent sector follows a similar verification and payment process as in the statutory sector. This ensures that all eligible staff receive their rightful recognition and compensation for their efforts during the pandemic.

If you are an independent contractor or provider in the independent sector, it is crucial to refer to the guidelines and communication from the Department for detailed instructions on how to apply for the Covid Recognition Payment. These guidelines will provide you with the necessary information and steps to successfully apply and receive the payment.

Remember, the Covid Recognition Payment is a valuable recognition of the hard work and dedication shown by staff in the independent sector during the challenging times of the pandemic.

Conclusion

The Covid Recognition Payment is a one-off payment designed to acknowledge the valuable contribution of eligible agency workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The payment amount is determined based on the hours worked, and it is important to note that tax and National Insurance deductions apply. To qualify for this payment, agency workers must meet specific criteria, including completing a 12-week placement with a host organization within the qualifying period.

The application process involves completing claim forms and providing the necessary supporting documents. It is crucial to submit accurate and complete information to ensure a successful application for the Covid Recognition Payment. Agencies play a vital role in administering the payment to eligible workers and will be reimbursed accordingly.

The Covid Recognition Payment also extends to eligible staff in the independent sector, with payments being made in two phases. Independent contractors and providers in the independent sector should refer to the guidelines and communications from the Department for detailed instructions on how to apply for the payment. Pay attention to the specified deadlines to ensure timely submission.

To maximize your chances of a successful Covid Recognition Payment application, make sure to carefully follow the guidelines provided, submit all required documents, and meet all eligibility criteria. By doing so, eligible agency workers and staff in the independent sector can receive the deserved recognition for their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic.