12 Oct 2020 Last updated at 08:00
Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme
Island residents who are eligible can now apply for a government payment of
£500 if they have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to
self-isolate.
An application form has gone ‘live’ on the council’s website and can be
accessed via the link https://www.iow.gov.uk/iwforms/tntapplication
Cabinet member for resources, Councillor Brian Tyndall,
said: “We are processing this vital scheme on behalf of the government, and
would strongly encourage those who are eligible under the criteria to get their
applications in. This is an important area of extra support for people at a
very difficult time.”
The new payments will only be available to those who meet all the following
criteria and have been provided with a valid NHS Test and Trace reference
number.
- If you have been told to
self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace on or after 28 September 2020.
- You can only apply up to
14 days after your self-isolation has ended [edit 18 January 2021 - this period has been extended to 28 days].
- If you are employed or
self-employed.
- If you cannot work from
home and will lose income as a result.
- If you are currently
receiving at least 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
and/or Pension Credit.
Applications are for one person only and any further applications within the
same household must be made separately for each individual.
The new Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme does not cover
people who are self-isolating after returning to the UK from abroad, unless
they have tested positive for coronavirus or have been instructed to
self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
Under the scheme the council is also able to make £500
discretionary payments if applicants:
- have
been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either
because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in
close contact with someone who has tested positive;
- are
employed or self-employed; and
- are
unable to work from home and will lose income as a result.
The discretionary payment is for people:
- who
are not 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; and
- who
are on low incomes and will face financial hardship as a result of not
being able to work while they are self-isolating.
The discretionary payment does not cover full time students
or those who have capital in excess of £6,000.
To apply for support, applicants will also need: their national insurance
number; their eight-digit test and trace Identification number; bank statements
not more than two months old, and proof of self-employment or wage slips. This
applies to both non-discretionary and discretionary elements of the scheme.
For more information, please view:
the gov.uk website https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-package-to-support-and-enforce-self-isolation
Factfile
- Only those who are eligible under the criteria should apply.