334 people have received financial support to self-isolate, totalling £162,000 from Swindon Borough Council during the various lockdowns.
This total includes 50 claims that have been made in just the last week.
People who meet certain criteria and who need to self-isolate are able to make a claim for assistance of £500 from the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme, run by Swindon Borough Council.
This payment can be made available on multiple occasions if a person comes into contact with people who test positive a second or even third time.
220 Non-discretionary payments of £500 have been authorised by the council including 35 in the past week.
For anyone not eligible for the the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme – a local discretionary fund which offers financial support could be available to make sure people don’t suffer financially.
Swindon Borough Council have authorised 114 Discretionary payments of £500 of which 15 have been this week.
A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “It is really important if people are confirmed as having COVID-19, or they are identified as a close contact, that they self-isolate to minimise the spread of the virus within the community.
“But we know the need to self-isolate places an increased financial strain on some people. The Test and Trace Support Payment scheme, which is available until 31 March, is there to provide financial support to qualifying residents on low incomes who are unable to work because they have either tested positive for coronavirus, or have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
“Residents who qualify can claim a one-off, lump sum payment of £500 for each period of self-isolation (subject to any income tax payable).”
- You have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace because you have tested positive for coronavirus or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
- You are employed or self-employed.
- You cannot work from home and will lose income as a result.
- You are claiming at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit
If you do not receive one of the above benefits you may still be eligible for a discretionary payment if you are going to suffer financial hardship by isolating.
