Eligibility
If you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace because you’ve tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, you’re legally required to do so.
If the NHS COVID-19 app sends you a notification to self-isolate because you’re a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and you apply for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme, you will also be legally required to self-isolate.
To support you during self-isolation, you could be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment if you live in England and meet all the following criteria:
- you’ve been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app, either because you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
- you’ve responded to messages from NHS Test and Trace and have provided any legally required information
- you’re employed or self-employed
- you’re unable to work from home and will lose income as a result of self-isolating
- you’re currently receiving or are the partner of someone in the same household who is 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
- Pension Credit
If you’re not on one of these benefits, you could be eligible for a £500 discretionary payment if all the following apply:
- you meet all the other criteria listed above
- you’re on a low income
- you will face financial hardship as a result of self-isolating
If you’re eligible for either the Test and Trace Support Payment or a discretionary payment, you will receive the £500 payment in addition to any benefits and Statutory Sick Pay that you receive currently .
To apply
What’s needed
- Agree to comply with the notification from NHS Test and Trace.
- Provide your notification from NHS Test and Trace (this will include a Unique ID number).
- Proof of employment (proof of your earnings), or, if you are self-employed, evidence of self-assessment returns, trading income and proof your business delivers services which cannot be undertaken without social contact.
- Provide proof of address, and bank statements (showing the account details where the payment will be made).
Please note if you are unable to provide this information along with your application form, we will not be able to consider your claim, and we will not be able to pay you.
We will check the NHS Test and Trace system to confirm you have been asked to self-isolate. We will also have checks in place to prevent and detect fraud.
When to apply
All applications must be made within 28 days of the start of your self-isolation period.
How to apply
Apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment