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Test and Trace support payment

Update - Test and Trace Support scheme will close on 24/02/2022 and no further applications will be accepted after 06/04/2022.

Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Those who test positive for COVID-19, or have been identified by NHS Test and Trace because they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, will be required to self-isolate. Self-isolation is critical in helping to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Test and Trace support payments of £500 are available to help ensure that people on low incomes can self-isolate when they test positive or are identified as a contact.

You must have been advised to isolate on or after 28 September 2020 and on or before the 23 February 2022 and not be in an exempted group in order to be eligible for the payment.

As of 24 February 2022 you are no longer legally required to isolate however if you were contacted prior to 24 February 2022 you must isolate for the full isolation period.

To be eligible for the Test and Trace support payment you must:

  • Have been asked to self-isolate (on or after 28 September 2020 and on or before 23 February 2022) by NHS Test and Trace either because you have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who  has tested positive and are not in an exempted group.
  • Have a positive PCR test (from 11 January 2022 if you have a positive Lateral Flow test you no longer need a PCR test and just need to isolate, however if you want to claim Test and Trace Support Payment you need a PCR test to confirm result).
  • be employed or self-employed
  • be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
  • be 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, or your partner is receiving one of these benefits

  • apply within 42 days of the date your self-isolation period started

If you do not receive one of the above benefits you may qualify for a Discretionary Payment if you are either in receipt of a Council Tax Reduction or your partner is, or have savings of less than £3,000 and your pre-isolation income, before tax and national insurance deductions, was between £80.00 and £450.00 per week.

If your earned income was not in that range you will not qualify.

The payment will be made in one lump sum and will be subject to Income Tax.

 

In order to apply you will need to provide the following evidence:

  • A notification from NHS Test & Trace asking you to self-isolate (including your unique ID number)
  • A bank statement
  • Proof of employment, or if you are self-employed, self-employment assessment returns, trading income and proof that you cannot work from home and will lose income as a result. 

If you are applying for a Discretionary Payment we may need to ask you for further information

You will not qualify for a payment if your income is lower than normal because you have been furloughed. The Test and Trace Payment is for people facing a reduction in income because they cannot work while self-isolating.

Local residents, who are eligible for a test and trace support payment, can apply online. Details on the support scheme can be downloaded below.

Apply for Test and trace support payment

You can find out additional information about the test and trace process on the NHS Test and Trace webpage.

Privacy notice for self isolation payment scheme

Privacy notice for self isolation payment scheme
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Created: 09 October 2020
Last Modified: 09 October 2020

If you receive a Self-Isolation Payment you must self-isolate. 

Please visit the NHS website for more details of the NHS Test and Trace self-isolation requirements for those:

  • testing positive and
  • those who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive and has now been told to self- isolate by NHS Test and Trace.