11/10/2020 - Permalink

Coronavirus: Test and Trace payments available to those told to self-isolate

Related topics: Coronavirus / Finance and budget / Health

Employed or self-employed people on low incomes who are told to self-isolate, but whose income would be hit by staying at home, can now claim a £500 support payment.

From Monday 12 October 2020, Test and Trace payments of £500 will be available to those who meet the eligibility criteria and have been told to self-isolate on or after 28 September 2020, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, an individual 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.

You can find out further details and submit a claim for the scheme by clicking here

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:-

 “Self-isolating is one of the best ways to help stop the spread of infection, and I can’t stress enough how important it is for people stay at home when they’re told to do so.

“Our residents need to know that there is financial support in available if they are told to self-isolate. This scheme will relieve them of that worry while they’re doing the right thing by protecting our communities from spreading the virus further.”

Details about further support and advice for people who have to self isolate can be found here

Further information

How you can ‘Step Up’ to help Shropshire:

  • Work from home if you can
  • Limit contact with other people
  • Keep your distance from people not in your household bubble (2 metres apart where possible)
  • Stick to a maximum group of 6 people when meeting socially – indoors or outdoors
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • If you are unable to wash hands and they are visibly clean, use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content
  • Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
  • Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will meet people you do not normally meet.
  • Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 14 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test.

Download the ‘Step Up Shropshire’ posters here.

Further information

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.