Self-isolation support payments

Residents on low incomes who are told by NHS Test and Trace
to self-isolate – either due to a positive Covid-19 test or being in contact with someone who has tested positive – may be entitled to financial support during self-isolation.
 
Since Monday (28 September), people across England have been required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace. Breaking this law could now lead to a fine of between £1,000 and £10,000.
 
When self-isolating, people must not go to work, school or any other public spaces. Any exercise should be taken within the home, and friends or family should be asked to buy food or other essentials.

Benefits claimants who need to self-isolate but are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result are eligible for a lump sum Test and Trace Support Payment of £500. In Crawley, these payments are being managed on behalf of the government by Crawley Borough Council.
 
Councillor Peter Lamb, Leader of the Council, said: “With case numbers in Crawley on the rise again, breaking the chain of transmission is critical. So if you are told to self-isolate, please do exactly that to protect your friends and family and break the chains of transmission.”
 
To claim you must have a notification from the NHS Test and Trace service asking you to self-isolate. You must be in-work, unable to work from home and receive at least one of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Employment Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit.