Guidance

LA Welfare Direct 6/2024 lite

Updated 11 July 2024

Contact

Queries about the:

  • technical content of this bulletin, contact details are given at the end of each article
  • general content and distribution of this bulletin, contact lawelfare.correspondence@dwp.gov.uk

Who should read

All Housing Benefit staff

Action

For information

Infected Blood Interim Compensation Payments

1. On 21 May 2024, the government announced additional interim infected blood compensation payments to living infected beneficiaries of the 4 UK Infected Blood Support Schemes (IBSS). 

2. Letters are being issued in weeks commencing 10 and 17 June 2024 to all eligible beneficiaries. These will confirm that payments of £210,000 will be made to living infected beneficiaries; those who have HIV and/or Hepatitis C because of contaminated blood products who are registered with an IBSS. 

3. The payments are due to be paid on 24 June 2024 and will be administered on behalf of the UK Government by the 4 existing UK IBSS: 

  • England Infected Blood Support Scheme 
  • Wales Infected Blood Support Scheme 
  • Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme 
  • Infected Blood Payment Scheme for Northern Ireland

4. The letters to the beneficiaries will make clear that these payments need to be declared to local authorities.

Effect on Housing Benefit

5. As advised in circular HB A9/2017 and bulletin G3/2017 (paragraphs 42 to 46) these payments are to be fully and indefinitely disregarded for Housing Benefit purposes.