Scottish Government extends NHS coronavirus life assurance scheme

Family members of NHS Scotland staff, who die in service because of coronavirus, will receive a one off payment as well as any benefits under the NHS Pension Scheme.
An NHS tribute in a window of Infinity Yoga in Glasgow. Photo: John DevlinAn NHS tribute in a window of Infinity Yoga in Glasgow. Photo: John Devlin
An NHS tribute in a window of Infinity Yoga in Glasgow. Photo: John Devlin

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has announced that the NHS Scotland Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme has been extended and makes provision for both a death in service lump sum payment and survivors pension benefits for staff who are otherwise excluded from the NHS Scotland pension scheme.

The scheme has also been extended to provide a one-off payment of £60,000 to a named survivor of a social care worker who has died in service as a result of, or the suspected result of, contracting Covid-19 at work, regardless of existing pensions or life assurance cover.

This scheme is designed to provide financial security for the dependents and next of kin of all NHS staff, including those returning to service to assist with responding to the pandemic.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “In recognition of the extraordinary on-going contribution of our dedicated health and social care staff, we are extending the NHS Scotland Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme.

“This means the dependants or next of kin of any NHS staff member who tragically dies in service as a result of Covid-19 will receive a one off payment of £60,000, in addition to any benefits under the NHS Pension Scheme.

“I want to once again thank the dedicated health and social care professionals who have worked so tirelessly throughout this pandemic.”