Covid death families have yet to claim millions in compensation

Millions of pounds of compensation promised by ministers to relatives of frontline health and social care workers who died during the pandemic may still remain unclaimed, says UNISON today (Friday). Fewer than 800 families across England have received a £60,000 pay out each from the government’s life assurance scheme*. Official figures show more than 2,000 deaths involving Covid occurred among health and care staff, including porters, nurses and care home employees**. Although the payments are available solely for people whose deaths were “wholly or mainly” caused by Covid, UNISON says there could still be many who fit the criteria, but whose families have yet to apply. The 31 March deadline for applications to the scheme is just a week away and the union says grieving next of kin could be left without the money to which they are entitled, unless they apply right away. The fund was set up in April 2020 by then health secretary Matt Hancock for relatives of workers who became infected in the line of duty, either within the NHS or in social care. The death must have occurred before March 2022 to be eligible for compensation. Figures from the NHS Business Services Authority show that 827 claims have been made up to this month. Of these, 512 were submitted by the families of NHS staff and 294 by relatives of care workers. Just 760 have been accepted, with 732 already receiving payment. However, 54 cases did not meet the eligibility criteria and 13 are still under con...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release compensation covid Source Type: news