The government has announced a new payment scheme for people living in areas with a high incidence of COVID-19 who are on low incomes, need to self-isolate and cannot work from home.
The scheme, which opens on 1 September 2020, will initially only apply in specific areas subject to local lockdown starting, on a trial basis, with Blackburn, Darwen, Pendle, and Oldham.
It will apply to people who:
- Are employed or self-employed and receiving either universal credit or working tax credit.
- Have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as their contacts.
Under the initial trial, eligible individuals will receive £130 for their 10-day period of self-isolation.
- Other members of their household, who have to self-isolate for 14 days, are to receive £182.
- Non-household contacts advised to self-isolate through NHS Test and Trace will receive £14 per day, up to £182, with the actual amount being dependent on the length of their isolation period.
Those eligible to receive a payment will need to provide:
- Notification from NHS Test and Trace. If you cannot provide this your local authority can check the NHS records for you.
- A bank statement.
- Proof of employment/self-employment.
The government has advised that payments will be made within 48 hours of the necessary evidence being provided. All applicants will be checked to ensure that they cannot work from home and that this will result in a loss of income.
Links
COVID-19: Government support tracker
This tracker covers measures announced by the government to support individuals and businesses, as we get through COVID-19.
External link
Press release: New payment for people self-isolating in highest risk areas