Test and Trace support payment

The self-isolation law

The laws on self-isolation has now changed. There is no longer a legal requirement for people with COVID-19 to self-isolate. Find out more about the guidance for people with COVID-19 and their contacts.

Test and trace support payment scheme

The government set up a NHS Test and Trace Support Payment scheme to support low income workers whose earning are affected by having to self-isolate or look after a child or qualifying young person who has to self-isolate, with a £500 grant.

As announced by the Prime Minister on Monday 21 February 2022 the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme will end on midnight 23 February 2022.

Anyone who was required to self-isolate on or before 23 February 2022 will have 42 days from the first day of their self-isolation period to submit a claim – and no later than 6 April 2022.

Eligible applicants will include the following who have been NOTIFIED to self-isolate on or before 23 February 2022:

• a person that has been notified that they have tested positive for COVID-19
• a parent or guardian of a child who has been notified that they have tested positive for COVID-19
• an unvaccinated adult contact who has been notified by NHS Test and Trace or identified via the NHS COVID-19 app.

Anyone falling into the above categories from 24 February 2022 are ineligible for the payment.

Discretionary Payments

The council has been given some additional discretionary funds so that we can support people who do not meet the Government’s eligibility criteria. 

When considering whether a Discretionary Support Payment should be made, the claimant must instead meet the following criteria:

• They are not currently in receipt of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (Income Based), Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit
• Will face severe demonstrable financial hardship, as a direct result of not being able to work whilst self-isolating and unable to pay essential bills
• Will usually have maximum earnings of no more than £250 (£500 per couple) before tax per week (with a lower limit of £80 and would normally work 16 hours a week. Please note that the full household expenditure will be taken into account when assessing any applications).
• Have savings below £2,000
• This discretionary scheme is not open to university students and those in higher education
• Applicants who usually have no access to public funds may be considered, providing they meet all of the above discretionary criteria.

Please be aware that there is very limited funding for this scheme and applications will have to be dealt with on a first come basis. We have to reserve the right to alter or amend the scheme dependending on demand and to withdraw the discretionary scheme when there is no more funding available.

What if my application is unsuccessful?

There is no formal appeal process for unsuccessful applications and our decision will be final. No separate dispute resolution is in place with this scheme.

How can I apply?

You can apply for a Test and Trace support payment online.

If need help with the form or have a question not covered by the information above, please call 01455 638181.