CASUAL substitute teachers are still in the dark over what money, if any, they will be paid - three weeks after schools shut down.
Those on fixed-term contracts including maternity cover will be paid "for the period of time that they have been engaged to work".
This includes any days already agreed through the Northern Ireland Substitute Teacher Register.
But those working as casual subs have expressed concerns to The Irish News that they are not covered. Many are already losing out on hundreds of pounds a week.
The Department of Education has prepared proposals for a hardship fund that have been sent to the Department of Finance.
It is understood there are several issues that still need to be addressed.
While many casual subs are young or newly-qualified teachers, there are others who are retired and are working a few days to supplement their pension.
Sinn Féin education spokesperson Karen Mullan said teachers needed to be paid as quickly as possible.
''When schools were closed substitute teachers who were working on a day-to-day basis lost their ability to earn through no fault of their own," she said.
''Sinn Féin have been clear from the outset that our priority is to not only save lives but to protect livelihoods as well.
''Substitute teachers play a pivotal role in the day-to-day running of schools across the north and we firmly believe they should be protected throughout this crisis."
