3,000 workers are on sick leave because of DANA and benefit from the special temporary disability of Social Security approved by the government in the first package of measures and aid for the disaster, as the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz.
The head of Social Security estimates that “more than 3,000” extraordinary temporary incapacities have been recorded so far. Although this figure may increase, given that the decree provided this special protection for medical stops of people affected by DANA occurring between October 29 and November 30.
These sick leave which cover employees and self-employed people have a higher amount, since they are assimilated to work accidents, which means that they receive compensation from the first day (and not the fourth) and 75% of salary. In addition, they do not require a minimum contribution period.
Minister Saiz highlighted that this benefit expands protection against “physical and psychological damage” due to the disaster that particularly affected the Valencian Community. The withdrawals are being processed and do not require any request from the individuals concerned beyond that of health professionals in the public health system (as with any other withdrawal).
700 new requests for Minimum Vital Income
“We are absolutely immersed in the deployment of the important package of measures which have been deployed quickly and efficiently,” said Elma Saiz, in response to criticism from the PP regarding the alleged delay in aid.
In addition to the number of these special withdrawals, Elma Saiz also indicated that there were around “700” new applications for minimum or vital income (IMV). This means that these families found themselves in a situation of great vulnerability, since this is an advantage for households in situations of extreme poverty. The second aid plan approved by the government made it easier to apply for this aid due to the “emerging poverty” of the current year.
Elma Saiz recalled that the Government approved a temporary increase in the amount of the minimum subsistence income of 15% for three months, which already has “more than 70,000 beneficiaries, 30,000 boys and girls”. Furthermore, a 30% increase was approved in the amount of the child food supplement (CAPI), the monthly aid per child associated with the IMV, but which can also be received by households with income up to three times superiors.
Without yet official data on requests for special assistance for cessation of activity for self-employed people affected by dana, Minister Saiz indicated that there were already “2,000” requests to mutual societies concerning these benefits.
This Monday, the Ministry of Labor updated ERTE data following the DANA disaster, with 1,498 companies having requested the measure, which affects 18,668 workers.
