Self-isolation is one of the most powerful tools for controlling the transmission of Covid-19. The new Test and Trace Support payment of £500 will ensure those on low incomes are able to self-isolate without concerns around their finances.
If you have been told by the NHS to self-isolate, because you have tested positive for coronavirus COVID-19 or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you may be entitled to some financial support during your self-isolation period.
If you would like to apply for a self isolation grant ...
First please read these guidelines and FAQs to see if you are eligible to apply:
Who are the self-isolation grants for?
People who live in Adur and Worthing will be entitled to a self-isolation payment providing they:
- Have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because they've tested positive or are the close contact of a positive case
- Are employed or self-employed
- Are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
- Are currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit
Who are the self-isolation grants not for?
You will not be eligible for the scheme if you:
- Are quarantining after travelling abroad (unless you test positive during the 14-day quarantine period)
- Continue to receive full wages while you self-isolate
- Can work from home during a period of self-isolation
- Are no longer required to self-isolate, ie your period of self-isolation ended before the Self-Isolation Payment Scheme launched on 28th September 2020
- Have not received a notification from NHS Test and Trace telling you to self-isolate
How does the self-isolation grant work?
- First, make sure you meet all the criteria for receiving a payment
- Applications for a payment must be made within 14 days of the end of the self-isolation period
- Then, if you do meet the criteria then complete the 5 minute application form at the end of this page
- You will then receive email/SMS confirmation whether you fulfill the criteria for the payment or not
- If you will be receiving the grant, you will receive details of how and when you can expect the payment
What you will need before you fill out the form
- The 8 digit reference number you were given by NHS Test and Trace
- Your National Insurance number
- A bank statement showing your account number and sort code
- Proof of employment such as a pay slip, self assessment return or trading income
Will receiving a self-isolation grant affect Statutory Sick Pay or benefits?
- Individuals will receive this payment on top of any Statutory Sick Pay or benefits they receive
- Currently individuals in employment who are self-isolating and cannot work from home are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they earn more than £120 a week from a single employer
- Depending on their circumstances, they might also be able to claim Universal Credit and/ or new style Employment and Support Allowance
How much is the payment?
- Individuals who are required to self-isolate and who meet the benefits-linked eligibility criteria will be entitled to £500
- This will be payable as a lump sum
Will these payments be taxed?
- These payments will be subject to income tax
- They will not be subject to National Insurance contributions
How long will this be in place for?
- The scheme will run until 31st January 2021
When will this come into force?
- These changes will come into effect on 28th September 2020, alongside the legal duty to self-isolate. Residents will be able to claim retrospectively, as long as their period of self-isolation began on or after 28th September. Adur & Worthing Councils will not be able to accept applications from people told to self-isolate before 28th September, even if the period of self-isolation continues after 28th September. Adur & Worthing Councils will have the system in place by 12th October. In the meantime, the Councils are awaiting final instructions from the government. Contact centre staff are now available to take calls on self-isolation grants, taking residents' details to alert them once the system is live so individuals can apply.
Can I make more than one claim?
- Someone can claim more than once (if they are told to self-isolate multiple times), as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each individual claim and their periods of self-isolation do not overlap.
Can I apply even though my self-isolation period has ended?
- Eligible individuals can make a claim up to 14 days after their period of self-isolation ended. Adur & Worthing Councils will not be able to accept applications after this point.
What if everyone in my home is self isolating, can we all apply?
- People in the same household can each make an individual application to receive the payment, if they each meet the eligibility criteria.
When will this come into force?
- These changes will come into effect on 28th September 2020, alongside the legal duty to self-isolate
- Adur & Worthing Councils will have the system in place by 12th October 2020; individuals who are eligible prior to that date will be able to make a backdated claim
Can I help someone else make an application, or make an application on their behalf?
- You can help someone else fill out an application, or fill out an application on their behalf
- However, you cannot receive payments on behalf of someone else
- Payments will only be made to the person who has been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
Can my bank take my self isolation grant to pay my overdraft?
- No, banks are not allowed to use your self isolation grant or any other benefit to repay an overdraft. You can protect your self isolation grant by writing to your bank. This protection is called a 'first right of appropriation of funds order'. You will need to tell your bank how to use these payments.
- You will need to write to your bank at least seven days before the self isolation grant is due, making it clear what this money can be used for, for example your rent, electricity bill and water rates. Keep a copy of the letter in case there is any dispute later. You may want to ask your bank/building society for a written acknowledgement of your instructions. If there are any items you no longer want to pay from your account, or which you cannot afford, you should give your bank separate cancellation instructions. The first right of appropriation does not stop the bank paying items as well as those you have listed. If you do not cancel these items, your bank may return the items as unpaid, which they may charge you for. However, payments from your account to repay a loan with the same bank cannot be cancelled.
Social isolation discretionary payments
- If you do not meet the qualifying criteria but are experiencing financial hardship you may be eligible for financial support, please contact our Community and Wellbeing Team to discuss your options on communities@adur-worthing.gov.uk or 01273 263311.
(Information reposted from Adur and Worthing Council website)
