Swindon residents are reminded that if they have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace they may be eligible for a £500 payment from the council.
The ‘Test and Trace Support payment scheme’ has been in place since the end of September to ensure that people do self-isolate when they are required to, and to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Those who are in receipt of certain benefits and cannot work during a self-isolation period can claim a one-off, lump sum payment of £500 for each period of self-isolation (subject to any income tax payable).
To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, an individual must:
- have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace after Monday, 28 September and have a unique Test and Trace number provided by the NHS
- be making your application during your period of self-isolation, or no more than 14 calendar days after the date your period of self-isolation ended
- be employed or self-employed
- have lost income by being unable to work from home while self-isolating
- meet the low income threshold outlined below
Qualifying benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- income-based Employment Support Allowance
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
Claimants will be asked to provide proof of NHS Test and Trace requesting they self-isolate, a bank statement and proof of employment or self-employment (such as evidence of self-assessment returns) and their National Insurance Number.
Applications will be able to be back dated from the launch date of Monday 28th September.
Everything about the application process is outlined on the Swindon Borough Council website.
People must self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from when their symptoms begin, or if they have tested positive and show no symptoms. People must self-isolate for 14 days if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.
People who fail to self-isolate when required could face fines of up to £10,000.
The Test and Trace Support payment is available until 31 January 2021.
