Financial support is available when you’re told to self-isolate

15/01/2021

£500 payment for those on low incomes who are notified of need to self-isolate

People who will suffer financial hardship when told to self-isolate are being encouraged to apply for support grant as soon as they can.

The Test and Trace Support Payments scheme is open to people who are self-isolating because they tested positive for coronavirus, or because they were told to do so by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app.   Individuals can be employed or self-employed but unable to work from home.  

The grants are for people on a low income.   Whilst this is mainly people on benefits, a limited discretionary scheme is also running.

Up to the end of last week Cherwell District Council has paid out 197 grants of £500 to individuals – a total of £98,500.

Councillor Tony Ilott, Lead Member for Financial Management and Governance, said: “We understand that self-isolation is difficult for people on modest incomes and those with families to support. But the dangers of COVID to lives and livelihoods in Cherwell are stark and real.

“It is a legal obligation to stay home when told to by NHS Test and Trace. These support payments are here to make following that direction a lot easier for people who cannot work from home.

“As cases rise in our area, applications are increasing all the time. People who supply all the necessary information to us will usually get their money within three working days.”

People who do not self-isolate when told to by NHS Test and Trace are committing an offence, which carries a fine of at least £1,000.

To apply for a grant visit the Cherwell District Council website.


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

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