People are now legally required to self-isolate when asked to do so by the NHS, with fines of up to £10,000 for those who break the rules.
A Test and Trace Support payment has been introduced to help ensure that people on low incomes self-isolate when they test positive or are identified as a contact, and to encourage more people to get tested.
From the 12 October you can apply online for a Test and Trace Support payment of £500 if you have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
Eligibility
You can qualify for this payment if you:
• Are employed or self-employed
• Are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
• Are currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.
People in the same household can each make an individual application to receive the payment, if they each meet the eligibility criteria.
Payments
The payments are available to those who met the criteria and were told to self-isolate on or after 28 September. Those who meet the criteria who wish to make a claim must do so no later than 14 days after your self-isolation period has ended.
Payments are subject to income tax, but not subject to National Insurance contributions. We aim to make the payment within three working days from the date you make your application.
Exclusions
The Test and Trace Support payment scheme does not cover people who are self-isolating after returning to the UK from abroad, unless they have tested positive for coronavirus or have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
How to apply
To find out more and apply, please visit our website.
Fraud
You may face prosecution if you have manipulated or falsified your position in order to receive these payments, including failure to self-isolate which puts others at risk.
