Eligibility for a self-isolation payment
- you've tested positive for Covid-19
- you've been in contact with someone who has tested positive
- be employed or self-employed
- be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result of self-isolating as well as currently receiving one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
Discretionary Scheme
This scheme has now reopened from 14 January 2021 as further funding has been provided to us for these payments. If you are not receiving one of these benefits but face financial hardship as a result of not being able to work due to self-isolating, you may still be entitled to help through the Discretionary Scheme.
All residents can claim the payment with the exception of full-time students and those who are not normally resident in the UK.
There is a capital limit for applicants of £6,000.
We determine low income for eligibility to be –
- lower threshold – applicant must normally have a gross wage of at least £80.00 per week and this has reduced due to self-isolation and they cannot work from home
- upper threshold – applicant has an income of no more than £280.00 per week gross
Please read our Test and Trace Discretionary Payment Scheme policy for further details on the criteria.
To apply for the Self-isolation Payment or Discretionary Scheme this please complete the application form below. Please note we may need to ask you further questions to determine your eligibility.
Who isn’t eligible?
- are quarantining after travelling abroad (unless you test positive during the 10-day quarantine period)
- continue to receive full wages while you self-isolating
- can work from home during a period of self-isolation
- were notified by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate before 28 September 2020
- have not received a notification from NHS Test and Trace telling you to self-isolate
- are currently furloughed from work. The payment is for people who are losing income because they are unable to work because they are self-isolating
What evidence will I need to supply?
- your 8-digit NHS Test and Trace reference
- a copy of your latest bank statement (issued in the last two months). This can be a photo or screenshot but must clearly show the name on the account, your sort code and account number. This will be the account which you would like the payment made into if you are successful.
- proof of employment (if applicable) such as a recent wage slip or bank statement showing the wages being paid into your account.
- proof of self-employment (if applicable) such as a recent business bank statement (issued in the last two months), most recent set of accounts or evidence of self-assessment returns
- proof of your qualifying benefit
- to consent for us to access your records in the NHS Test and Trace system to confirm your eligibility.