Universal Credit, PIP and ESA face-to-face assessments scrapped for three months over coronavirus

UNIVERSAL credit, PIP and ESA face-to-face assessments have been scrapped for three months over fears of spreading the deadly coronavirus to vulnerable Brits.

The move will come into effect on Tuesday as ministers ramp up efforts to protect those most at risk from COVID-19.

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As the government fights to stop nation-wide contagion, sickness and disability payments assessment will be made without face-to-face contact.

Households will be able to manage their benefits over the phone or via their work journal instead, without the risk of being sanctioned for missing a visit.

The plan will impact the Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and some Universal Credit payments.

All face-to-face assessments from tomorrow will be cancelled and anyone with appointments will be contacted.

Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said: “As we move into the next phase of our response to coronavirus, it is right we take steps to protect those with health problems.

“Temporarily suspending face-to-face assessments for sickness and disability benefits will allow us to ensure we continue to provide a safety net for those in need, while removing unnecessary risk of exposure to this disease.”

Britain’s death toll leapt from 21 to 35 today and included Nick Matthews, 59 — the youngest UK victim.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the elderly will be told to stay indoors for four months.

Ministers also warned they could be forced to ration products such as toilet roll and beans, if panic buying continues.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in the budget last week measures to allow millions of self-employed workers to claim sick pay through Universal Credit if forced to isolate or stay at home because of the deadly COVID-19

Businesses with fewer than 250 employees will also be able to claim back the cost of providing statutory sick pay due to staff being affected by coronavirus from the government.

Employees will also no longer have to provide a sick note if they’re off work due to coronavirus.

While many staff will be entitled to sick pay during this time, 1.5million self-employed workers will suffer loss of income.

If you’re on Universal Credit and you’re worried about what self-isolating will do to your finances, we’ve put together a guide to what extra help is available to you.