Test and Trace Self Isolation Support Payment

The Government has decided that, from 28 September 2020, anybody who is instructed to self-isolate by NHS test and trace will have a legal duty to do so and may face fines if they fail to isolate themselves.

Self-isolation may well cause hardship to people who are unable to work – particularly those on low incomes. To offset the worst effects of this requirement the Government has introduced a scheme to assist those who have to self-isolate and have lost earned income as a result. This scheme is currently intended to run until 31 January 2021.

Who is entitled to a payment?

Payments are £500 and are payable to anybody who:

• Lives in the London Borough of Waltham Forest and was either;
  •  Instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or
  • Followed the instructions regarding financial assistance having been advised to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace app and;
• has engaged with the NHS Test & Trace Service having received that instruction and;
• Is either employed or self-employed, and;
• Has been required to self-isolate, cannot work from home and has lost income as a result (Please see the section below headed ‘What is Lost Income’), and;
• Claims within 28 days of the start of the period of self-isolation, and;
• Is, or is the partner of a person who is, in receipt of at least one of the following benefits
  • Universal Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Housing Benefit or,
  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support.

Discretionary payments:

• If you are not receiving one of these benefits but are on a low income and self-isolation will cause you financial hardship, you may still be entitled under a special discretionary scheme.  You should be able to satisfy the Council that:
  • You are on a low income and/or,
  • You could suffer financial hardship if a payment is not made and,
  • It is appropriate to make a payment.

You will not be entitled to a payment if you:

• Have not received a notification from NHS Test and Trace telling you to self-isolate.
• Are quarantining after travelling abroad (unless you test positive during the 10 day quarantine period).
• Have been asked to self-isolate before 28 September 2020
• Have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS COVID 19 web app unless you have followed the instructions regarding financial assistance following a notification that you should self-isolate
• Are self isolating because you, or another member of your household has symptoms of COVID-19
• Are unable to work because a child under your care cannot attend school due to an outbreak of COVID-19.
• Continue to receive full wages during your period of self-isolation.
• Can work from home during the period of your self-isolation.

How to apply

What you will need:

• Your National Insurance Number.
• 2 months recent bank statements (issued within the last two months which must clearly show your name and bank details).
• Proof of employment (eg. a payslip, letter from your employer, etc.).
• The name and address of your employer.
• If you are self-employed: proof of your self-employment, eg. recent business bank statement (within the last two months), most recent set of accounts or evidence of self-assessment tax returns.
• Your NHS Test and Trace Account ID reference (8 digit identifier e.g. 4a2c204a). This can be found on your contact journey invitation message (sent by text message or email) or on the confirmation message you were sent when you completed the NHS Test and Trace questionnaire.  If you have been advised to self-isolate via the NHS COVID 19 app you will receive this number after you have complied with the instructions provided when you request financial assistance.  You will not be able to submit an application without this.
• You will not be able to submit your application without evidence.

• It is important that you tell us how much money you will actually earn.  This is the case even if you will not be paid that money immediately.  For example, assume you earn £50 per day, are told to self-isolate for 10 days, are unable to work 7 of those days where you usually would have done, and receive no payment from your employer.  When you answer the question regarding how much you will earn during the isolation period your answer should reflect the £350 (7x£50) that you have lost.  This is the case even if you will receive your normal wage during the isolation period and the reduction will be applied to a future period.

You may be prosecuted if you provide false information, or if you do not self-isolate.

Any payment made as a result of fraud may be subject to claw back, as will any grants paid in error. The Government is supporting local councils to make the necessary checks to ensure payments can be verified and have been made correctly.

Apply for a Self Isolation Support Payment

Government advice regarding coronavirus can be found on the GOV.UK website.