The Government has announced a support payment to help those who lose income because they have been required to self-isolate. The Government has confirmed that local authorities will be able to offer those affected a payment of £500.
The new scheme will start from 28th September but is unlikely to get off the ground until 12th October. Payments will be backdated providing notification of self-isolation is operative from 28th September.
To qualify individuals must have been asked to self-isolate by the Track and Trace system or have tested positive for Covid-19 and be able to show they are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result.
In addition claimants must be over 16 and receiving one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pensions Credit
Claimants who do not receive any of these benefits but are in receipt of a low income could qualify for a payment through their Local Authorities special discretionary scheme. The claimant must be able to evidence that self-isolation would cause financial hardship.
Those individuals who are required to self-isolate or quarantine because they are returning from a trip abroad will not qualify.
For further information please visit www.gov.uk/government/news/new-package-to-support-andenforce-self-isolation.
