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Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Social Security Ministerial Discretion Payment to Students in response to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

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A decision made on 8 April 2020

Decision Reference:  MD-S-2020-0021

Decision Summary Title :

Social Security Ministerial Discretion Students

Date of Decision Summary:

07 April 2020

Decision Summary Author:

Senior Policy Officer

Decision Summary:

Public or Exempt?

public

Type of Report:

Written

Person Giving

NA

Written Report

Title :

Social Security Ministerial Discretion Students

Date of Written Report:

30 March 2020

Written Report Author:

Senior Policy Officer

Written Report:

Public or Exempt?

public

Subject: Social Security Ministerial Discretion payment to students in response to the Covid19 (Coronavirus) pandemic

Decision(s): Students are unable to return to their courses and accommodation outside Jersey because of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Despite this, students will have financial commitments in the form of rent to pay outside the Island. Normally, students would not be eligible for the adult component of Income Support in a week where they qualify for an educational maintenance grant. Based on advice from the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department (CYPES) the Minister has decided that the situation of these students is an exceptional one and will pay the students the equivalent of the adult component whilst they are unable to return to their places of study outside Jersey.

Subject to a Determining Officer reviewing the individual circumstances of each household, to confirm that the student does have costs outside the island and is unable to leave Jersey, the Minister has decided to make a discretionary payment to each affected household under Article 8 (2) of the Income Support (Jersey) Law 2007.

Each case will be subject to individual review by a Determining Officer, and the payments will cease if the student leaves Jersey.

Reason(s) for Decision: The students are unable to leave Jersey during the current pandemic.

Therefore, the Minister, in accordance with Article 8(2) of the Income Support (Jersey) Law 2007 approved payment under Income Support Ministerial Discretion to pay the adult component in respect of them.

Resource Implications: £99.61 a week per student, subject to ongoing review. For up to 53 students (estimated maximum) £5279.33 a week. Based on the possibility of an inability to return to studies for 8 weeks, an estimate potential cost of £42,234.64

Action required: Senior Policy Officer to notify Customer & Local Services Manager to make payment

Signature:

 

 

Position:

Social Security Minister

 

Date Signed: 07 April 2020

 

 

Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

 

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