COVID compensation: nurses’ families could still be missing out
Posted 27 March 2023 - 13:29
Uptake of financial support scheme for health workers’ dependents lower than pandemic death toll for front-line staff – and union now urges families to seek help
Families of nurses who died with COVID-19 during the pandemic could be missing out on thousands of pounds in compensation, a union claims.
Compensation promised to relatives of deceased front-line health and social care workers in England and Wales may still remain unclaimed, according to Unison.
COVID compensation uptake by dependent relatives does not equate to front-line worker deaths
The union said fewer than 800 families in England have received the £60,000 pay-out from the government’s life assurance scheme, despite the latest figures showing 2,009 deaths related to COVID-19 occurred among healthcare staff in England and Wales between March 2020 and February 2022.
‘Some households may be facing financial hardship because death has meant a drop in income on top of the loss of a loved one. No one should miss out’
Gavin Edwards, Head of social care, Unison
The payments are available for dependents whose deaths before 1 April 2022 were ‘wholly or mainly’ caused by COVID-19. Unison said many families may fit this criteria but have yet to apply for the payment.
Families of deceased nursing staff deserve financial help
Head of social care Gavin Edwards said: ‘Health and social care workers paid the heaviest price for simply doing their jobs during the pandemic.
‘Their families deserve the financial help available but it may be that many are still to apply. It’s vital they come forward to claim the compensation to which they’re entitled.
‘Some households may be facing financial hardship because death has meant a drop in income on top of the loss of a loved one. No one should miss out, particularly when so many people are struggling to make ends meet.’
Most applications for compensation have been accepted
The fund was set up in April 2020 by the then health and social secretary Matt Hancock to compensate dependents of health and care workers who lost their lives.
Figures from the NHS Business Services Authority obtained by Unison, show 827 claims for compensation have been made, of which 760 have been accepted and 732 claimants have received payment. Some 54 cases were ruled ineligible and 13 are still under consideration.
The RCN wrote to the then health and social care secretary Sajid Javid at the time of the scheme’s closure, asking for it to continue.
The Department of Health and Social Care was contacted for comment.
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