Extension of period over which amendments to ESA in response to the coronavirus outbreak remain in force

New DWP guidance

New guidance has been issued in relation to the extension of the period over which amendments to new-style employment and support allowance (ESA) in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak remain in force.

In particular, ADM Memo 25/20 provides guidance on the ESA and Universal Credit (Coronavirus Disease) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (SI.No.1097/2020) that extend, from 12 November 2020 to 12 May 2021, the expiry date of provisions in the ESA and Universal Credit (Coronavirus Disease) Regulations 2020 (SI.No.289/2020) that include -

• removing the requirement to serve waiting days before ESA entitlement begins; and
• enabling a person who, on or after 13 March 2020, claims or has an existing award of ESA to be treated as having limited capability for work

- where the Secretary of State is satisfied that it would be appropriate to do so because the person is affected by COVID-19.

NB - the DWP advises that the guidance in this memo replaces that in ADM Memo 2/20, which is cancelled and should no longer be followed. In addition, the DWP has updated DMG Memo 4/20 to reflect the date changes as they apply to contribution-based and income-related ESA.

ADM Memo 25/20 is available from gov.uk