The move is to ensure people who can’t get an application in on time due to things such as illness or caring responsibilities can still get the support that they need.

Best Start Grant
If someone does not get any other benefits, they normally need to be under 18 to be eligible for Best Start Grant. If they could not apply before they turned 18 because of disruption caused by COVID-19, an application will still be considered.

Pregnancy and baby payment
A baby normally needs to be under six months old for a parent to be eligible for Pregnancy and Baby Payment. If they could not apply before the baby turned six months old due to the disruption caused by COVID-19, an application will still be considered.

Early Learning Payment
A child normally needs to be between two years old and three years six months old for a parent or carer to be eligible for Early Learning Payment. If they could not apply before then due to the disruption caused by COVID-19, an application will still be considered.

Funeral Support Payment
If a person could not apply for Funeral Support Payment within six months of the funeral taking place due to the disruption caused by COVID-19, an application will still be considered.

Young Carer Grant
A young carer normally needs to be under 19 years old. If they could not apply before they turned 19 because of disruption caused by COVID-19, an application will still be considered.

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.