£500 cash for people self-isolating from low income jobs

If you’ve spent time self-isolating due to COVID-19 since the start of September, you may be eligible to claim £500.

The Test and Trace Support Payments were announced by the Government last month and are being managed by North East Lincolnshire Council as part of an effort to support the vulnerable local families hit hard by COVID-19.

Working families who are on one of the qualifying benefits and have started to self-isolate since 28 September will be eligible to apply for the payment.

To be eligible for the support payment, you must be in paid work and have lost income due to the coronavirus.

If you have the symptoms of COVID-19, you should start to self-isolate immediately for 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus, protecting your friends, family members and colleagues. Do not wait to take a test.

Breaking these rules could see a person fined up to £10,000.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, portfolio holder for finance and North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s important that those families being hit hardest by coronavirus get the support that they need.

“This payment is expected to help offset the income lost by those who find themselves having to self-isolate and stay off work for a period.

“I would urge people who feel unwell and start to show symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate, book a test, and stop the spread of the virus.”

Applicants must have been advised by the NHS to self-isolate, and should be able to provide a Track and Trace reference number.

To find out more about the Test and Trace Support Payments, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk.