Coronavirus (COVID-19)
England is now subject to National lockdown: Stay at Home restrictions. You must stay at home.
Test and trace support payments have been introduced for those on lower incomes who must self-isolate but can’t work from home and will lose income as a result.
These £500 payments are designed to help everyone comply with self-isolation rules and stop the spread of coronavirus. Anyone who does not self-isolate following a positive coronavirus test or after being told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace could face fines.
Who can apply for payments?
To qualify for a £500 test and trace payment you must:
If you are not receiving one of these benefits but are facing financial difficulties because you have been asked to self-isolate, you may still be entitled to help under our discretionary scheme.
You can apply through the same application form.
You will not be eligible for payment if you:
How to apply?
You can apply for a test and trace support payment by filling in our online form. If you know someone who may qualify but is not online, they can call 02392 616708 for help with their application.
Please make sure you have the following information to hand before starting your application to avoid any potential delay in making your payment:
*Please ensure you have responded to all messages received from NHS Test and Trace (which will have been received via a combination of email, text, letter or phone call). For example, NHS Test and Trace will require your contact details or if you have tested positive, the details of your contacts.
If you do not complete the Test and Trace journey and have not engaged with NHS Test and Trace, you will not meet the Department of Health and Social Care’s criteria for a Test and Trace Support payment.
If you have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Covid-19 app see our FAQ section for more information on how to apply for your test and trace ID number
You can apply for the payment here.
Please note, you may face prosecution if you have manipulated or falsified your position in order to obtain these payments. Any payment made as a result of fraud may be subject to recovery action, as may any payment made in error.
There is further financial advice and support available in the following places: