£500 payment still available for workers self-isolating

Workers in our area who are self-isolating at home can still claim a £500 support payment.

The one-off payment is available to residents who are on a low income and meet eligibility criteria, and have had to self-isolate, taking time off work due to COVID-19, since September 2020.

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

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 10 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, deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s important that those residents 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.