Ensuring infected individuals and their close contacts isolate is one of our most powerful tools for controlling the spread of coronavirus. Self-isolating helps prevent your family, friends and community from catching the virus, as well as helping to protect the health and care system.
If you have been told by the NHS to self-isolate, either 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.
Change in the Law
- From Monday 28th September people will be required to self-isolate by law if they test positive for COVID-19 or are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service
- If people fail to comply with these rules, they will face tougher penalties
- Fines for breaching the law will start at £1,000 and rise to £10,000
Test and Trace Support Payment
- The government has introduced a new grant to support people in work on low incomes to self-isolate
- You may be able to claim a £500 lump sum payment if you cannot work from home and are required to self-isolate
- This payment aims to help make up for any lost income people may face due to having to stay at home
Who is eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment?
To be eligible for the support payment, you must:
- Have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace because of positive coronavirus test or recent close contact with someone who has tested positive
- Be employed or self-employed
- Be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result;
- Be receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit
- Click here for more information: https://www.gov.uk/test-and-trace-support-payment
East Lindsey Residents
East Lindsey residents will be able to apply soon, but if you are eligible before the scheme is open you will be be able to apply and request that the payment the backdated to 28th September.
If you think you are eligible please get in touch. You can e-mail communitysupport@e-lindsey.gov.uk or call 01507 601111 to leave you details and someone will get back to you to let you know when and how to apply.
Boston Borough Residents
If you think you are eligible please get in touch. You can call the Customer Contact Team on 01205 314202, email them at StayAtHomeSupport@boston.gov.uk or visit their website mybostonuk.com.
More information about the new package to enforce and support self-isolation is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-package-to-support-and-enforce-self-isolation