Apply for the test and trace self-isolation payment
Receiving benefits and working? You can apply for the test and trace self-isolation £500 support payment.
From 28 September, there will be a new legal duty on all UK residents who test positive for COVID-19 or are identified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact, requiring them to self-isolate.
As this new legal duty may impact your ability to work and earn a living, the government has introduced a scheme for those who are having to self-isolate and this scheme will run until 31 January 2021.
If you receive a notification from NHS Test and Trace to stay at home and self-isolate because you have tested positive for coronavirus, or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you will receive a £500 payment if you are eligible under the scheme criteria (see below). You will need the NHS Test and Trace unique 8 digit identifier number when you apply.
Who can get a test and trace support payment?
To get the test and trace support payment, you must meet the following criteria:
- have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or by the NHS COVID-19 app, either because you’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and
- you have signed up and completed the test and trace journey. Receiving the initial notification to isolate will not qualify for the grant, and
- been notified to self-isolate on or after 28 September, not before that date, and
- be employed or self-employed, and
- be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result, and
- be currently receiving at least one of the following benefits: universal credit, working tax credit, income-based employment and support allowance, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income support, housing benefit or pension credit, and
- your claim is within 14 days of the last day of your self-isolation
You must meet all of the criteria above to be eligible for a payment.
If you are not receiving benefits but face financial hardship as a result of not being able to work due to self-isolating, you may still be entitled under a discretionary scheme.
Before making an application
Before you make an application, make sure you have the following information:
- your unique ID number as provided by NHS Test and Trace. If you have been told to self-isolate by the NHS COVID-19 app, follow the steps to get your unique ID number.
- national insurance number
- bank account and sort code
- details of your employment
- photos or scanned image of your bank statement covering the last month, must show your name and account number
- if employed: photos or scanned image of your most recent wage slip
- if you are self-employed: photos or scanned image of self-assessment returns, trading income.
You will receive this payment via BACS transfer. The payment will be for £500 and is subject to tax. However, you will not be taxed at the point of payment, we will inform Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the payment.
