Test and trace support payments for workers on low incomes

15 October 2020

Test and trace support payments for workers on low incomes

Support payments are now available for working people on low incomes who have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace.

The one-off payment of £500 is available from Sevenoaks District Council.

The payments are designed to help ensure people who have tested positive for COVID- 19 and their close contacts self-isolate for the required period to stop the spread of the virus. They are also designed to encourage individuals who are eligible for the payment to get tested if they have symptoms. This is important to help stop the transmission of COVID-19 and avoid further economic and social restrictions.

To qualify for the payment, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• They’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace on or after 28 September 2020
• They’re employed or self-employed
• They cannot work from home and will lose income as a result of having to self-isolate
• They receive 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
  • Pension Credit

Even if applicants meet all the criteria but do not receive one of the benefits, they may still qualify for a payment if they can show that they will face financial hardship by self-isolating.

Cllr Matthew Dickins, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Investments, says: “Self-isolation is an important part of the NHS Test and Trace strategy, helping to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. This new payment will support working people on low incomes should they be instructed by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate, helping to protect their friends, family and the wider community.

“If anyone believes they qualify for the support, they should not delay – the quicker they apply, the quicker we can consider their application.”

To apply for a Test and Trace support payment, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/testandtracepayments or call the Council on 01732 227000.

Issued by: Daniel Whitmarsh, Communication and Consultation Manager

Call: 01732 227414
e-mail: daniel.whitmarsh@sevenoaks.gov.uk