Support payment of £500 available for some people asked to self-isolate

The Government has announced a new financial package called a Test and Trace Support Payment to support and enforce self-isolation, as part of measures to try and help those affected by Covid-19.

In some circumstances, if you are required by law to self-isolate (as from Monday 28th September), you may be supported by a payment of £500. The money is being provided by the Government but payments are being managed by Burnley Council.

A Burnley Council spokesman said: "We are still waiting for further guidance from the Government. In the meantime we are working with our strategic partner, Liberata, to publish an online form to enable applications for the grant to be made.

"While we wait for further Government guidance, it is expected that the scheme will be operational by October 12th, in line with the Government’s request. Payments will be backdated if necessary.

"We will make a further announcement when the online form is available.

"The council will also be able to make a discretionary £500 lump sum payment, in exceptional circumstances, to an individual who meets the main qualifying criteria for the Test and Trace Support Payment as set out below (ie they are a low-income worker who is unable to work because they are self-isolating) but who is not in receipt of qualifying benefits and could suffer financial hardship as a result of not being able to work.

"We are also awaiting the detailed guidance for the discretionary element which is due to published shortly. This will also be incorporated into the online form."

To get the Test and Trace Support Payment, you must be:

- asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because they’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive

- employed or self-employed

- unable to work from home and will lose income as a result and

- 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.

The scheme will run until January 31st, 2021.