Support payment available in area

South Holland District Council is among those backing a nationwide scheme to support people on low incomes who have to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus and cannot work from home.

The Test and Trace Support Payment, is being rolled out as the number of cases nationally rise.

Individuals who are required to self-isolate and who meet the benefits-linked eligibility criteria will be entitled to £500, which will be payable in a lump sum. This will be subject to income tax but not National Insurance.

It has been introduced in response to feedback from local authorities and directors of public health that some residents are struggling to self-isolate due to financial constraints.

The support payment will help ensure that people on low incomes are able to stay at home and self-isolate when they are asked to do so by the NHS Test and Trace. It will also encourage more people to get tested without the added pressure of losing income. It is hoped the scheme will help lead to a reduction in the transmissions of COVID-19.

Semantha Neal, Chair of Communities and Volunteer Cell at the LRF, said: “It is important that people are made aware of the new payment and that they are not worrying about missing out financially if they cannot work.

“The message is clear, self-isolation helps prevent family, friends and the community from contracting coronavirus as well as helping to protect the health and care system. If you have to self-isolate, meet the eligible criteria and cannot work from home – support is available through your local district council.”

A claim can be made for each period of self-isolation required, meaning people can receive multiple payments as long as all the eligibility criteria has been met and evidence provide.

The scheme will run until January 31 and will be administered by the local authority.

Those eligible for the financial support must meet all the following criteria:
* have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
* must be employed or self-employed
* must not be able to work from home, and, as a result, will therefore lose income as a consequence of the above.
* they must also be in receipt of benefits including any of the following: Universal Credit, Working Tax credit, income-related employment and support allowance, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income support, pension credit or housing benefit.

A discretional fund will also be available for individuals who do not qualify for the Test and Trace Support Payment but require financial support to self-isolate.

Further details can be found on the government website www.gov.uk/government/news/new-package-to-support-and-enforce-self-isolation