Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme: Who can claim the £500 covid self-isolation payment - eligible Hartlepool residents urged to apply

Those meeting the benefits-linked eligibility criteria will receive a £500 lump sum.

The payments are subject to income tax, but not National Insurance contributions, and they will not be taken into account for benefit purposes.

The scheme is being administered locally by Hartlepool Borough Council and runs until January 31st 2021.

Council chiefs are reminding residents anyone who tests positive for Covid-19, or who is identified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, has a legal duty to self-isolate.

Hartlepool residents should visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/testandtracepayment to apply for support as part of the scheme.

Anyone not able to access the website or who is having problems completing the online application form can call (01429) 284188.

To be eligible for support, a person must:

:: Have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace on or after the 28th September 2020 and have been provided with a unique 8 digit test and trace number;

:: Be employed or self-employed;

:: Be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result of self-isolation; and

:: Be receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.

A person is not eligible if they:

:: Are quarantining after travelling abroad (unless they test positive during the 14-day quarantine period).

:: Continue to receive full wages whilst self-isolating.

:: Can work from home while self-isolating.

:: Have not received a notification from NHS Test and Trace telling them to self-isolate.

Appropriate information will be required to support a claim and to obtain this or make a claim residents can go to www.hartlepool.gov.uk/test-and-trace-support-payments-info.

Claims made more than 14 days after the last day of an isolation period, as shown by the NHS Test and Trace communication, will not be accepted.

Verified applications will be paid within three working days of receipt of a complete application and supporting information.

University students and those in higher education are excluded from the scheme.

Discretionary support payments may also be available to individuals in need of financial support to self-isolate who do not meet all of the criteria for the main Test and Trace Support Payments Scheme.

Applicants who do not receive any of the qualifying benefits, but who do meet all of the other criteria, may be considered if they have less than £3,000 in savings, are on low incomes and can show they will suffer financial hardship.

Eligibility for discretionary payments will be assessed from a person’s application to the main Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme.

A separate application is not required – although additional information will need to be provided to prove financial hardship as a result of being told to self-isolate.

For further information about the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme contact the council at [email protected] or on (01429) 284188.

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