East Suffolk Council
East Suffolk Test and Trace Payment Scheme
People on low incomes who have had to self-isolate and have been unable to work due to Coronavirus may be eligible for a £500 payment. Please use the menu below for more information.
About the scheme
The Government has introduced a Test and Trace Support Payment scheme to support people on low incomes if they can't work during their self-isolation period. This may be because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
As part of the scheme, eligible people will receive a £500 lump sum payment.
Self-isolating is very important as it helps prevent family, friends and the community from contracting coronavirus. It also protects the health and care system.
This scheme will run until 31 January 2021.
More information is available on the gov.uk website.
Eligibility for the Test and Trace Support Payment
| You are eligible for the Test and Trace Support payment if you: |
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have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace because:
and are currently receiving:
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Payment amount
Individuals who are required to self-isolate and who meet the eligibility criteria will be entitled to £500. This will be payable as a lump sum.
Payments are subject to income tax but not National Insurance contributions.
Apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment
You are entitled to the payment if you meet the eligibility criteria and have been asked to self-isolate on or after 28 September 2020.
When the scheme is open for applications you will need to submit the following evidence:
- a notification from NHS Test and Trace asking you to self-isolate. This will include an 8-character NHS Test and Trace Account ID;
- proof of receipt of one of the qualifying benefits;
- a bank statement; and
- proof of employment. If you're self-employed you'll need to provide evidence of self-assessment returns, trading income and proof that your business delivers services which cannot be undertaken without social contact
Please note: Any claim must be made within 28 days of the first day of your NHS test and trace isolation period. The same Test and Trace Support Payment application form can be used for both the main scheme and the discretionary scheme.
What help can individuals get if they are not eligible for the Track and Trace Support Payment?
Whether you meet the criteria or not set by Government, there is help available for those facing financial difficulty or needing support. The Suffolk Support and Advice Service helps people across the county access information or support relating to debt, benefits, housing or employment. You can contact the service on 0800 068 3131 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or visit the Suffolk Support and Advice Service website.
Local residents required to self isolate but who do not fulfil all the requirements of the Track and Trace payment scheme may be able to get other support.
The Discretionary Scheme
Local authorities can make a £500 discretionary payment to individuals who:
- 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.
In addition, 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.
For both the Test and Trace Support Payment and discretionary payments, eligible individuals will receive their £500 payment on top of any benefits and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) that they currently receive.
If an individual is not successful for either the Track and Trace Support Payment or the Discretionary fund there is no right of appeal.
