Some East Cambs residents can now apply for the new Test and Trace self-isolation support payment of £500 if they lose income as a result of not being able to work. 

The government’s test and trace support payment scheme provides financial support for people who are on a low income and can’t work from home while having to self-isolate.

You will be eligible for the self-isolation support payment if you meet all the following criteria: 

·        you have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace because you have tested positive for coronavirus or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive 

·        you are employed or self-employed 

·        you cannot work from home and will lose income as a result 

·        you are claiming at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit 

NHS Test and Trace ID number, bank statement, proof of employment or self-assessment returns and evidence that you cannot work from home and you will lose income will need to be provided. Payment is sent within 3 working days of verifying an application.

Payments can be backdated up to 28 September.

Residents who wish to apply should visit the website and complete the online form or call the Customer Services team on 01353 665555.

Cllr Ian Bovingdon, Chair of the COVID-19 Working Group, said:

“It is imperative to self-isolate if you have been asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace.

“By self-isolating you are doing your bit to control the transmission of COVID-19.

“The new Test and Trace Support payment is there to help individuals on a low income with a £500 lump sum payment if they are required to self-isolate and cannot work from home.

“If you find yourself in this situation and meet all the criteria, please get in touch with the district council so we can support you.” 

You will not be eligible if you have not received a notification from NHS Test and Trace telling you to self-isolate, continue to receive your full wages or can work from home during a period of self-isolation, your period of self-isolation started before the scheme launched on 28 September, or you are quarantining after travelling abroad (unless you test positive during the 14 day isolation period). 

This financial support comes as the government places a legal requirement on people to self-isolate when instructed to by NHS Test and Trace and introduces tougher fines for breaking the rules. You could be fined if you do not stay at home and self-isolate following a positive test result for COVID-19, or if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and instructed to self-isolate because you are a contact of someone who has had a positive test result. If you test positive for COVID-19, it will also be an offence to knowingly provide false information about your close contacts to NHS Test and Trace. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a fine.