People on low incomes may be eligible for a ÂŁ500 payment if they are required to self-isolate.
If you are in receipt of certain benefits and cannot work during your self-isolation period then you can apply for the one-off Test and Trace Support payment.
The new scheme is aimed at ensuring people self-isolate when they are required to, to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
People who fail to self-isolate when required could face fines of up to ÂŁ10,000.
To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, an individual must:
- have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because theyâve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in 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 currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseekerâs Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.
You must self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from when your symptoms begin, or if you have tested positive and show no symptoms. You must self-isolate for 14 days if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.
The Test and Trace Support Payment comes into effect from Monday 28 September, with claims eligible to be back-dated from the launch date.
Applications for those who qualify must be made to Sefton Council. Claimants will be asked to provide proof of NHS Test and Trace requesting they self-isolate, a bank statement and proof of employment or self-employment (such as evidence of self-assessment returns).
From 28 September you face a penalty between ÂŁ1,000 and ÂŁ10,000 for failing to self-isolate when required.
More information on how to apply for the payment will be available soon on the Sefton website https://www.sefton.gov.uk/sefton-home.aspx
Cllr. Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council Cabinet Member, said:
âSelf-isolating is vital in stopping the spread of coronavirus, which is why these new measures have been introduced. Self-isolating is one of the simplest and most effective means of containing the virus and we need everyone to take responsibility and play their part in ensuring people are protected.â