Test and Trace Payment Scheme

About the scheme

The Government has introduced a Test and Trace Support Payment scheme to support people on low incomes if they can't work during their self-isolation period. This may be because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

As part of the scheme, eligible people will receive a £500 lump sum payment.

Self-isolating is very important as it helps prevent family, friends and the community from contracting coronavirus. It also protects the health and care system.

This scheme will run until 31 January 2021.

More information is available on the gov.uk website.

Eligibility for the Test and Trace Support Payment

You are eligible for the Test and Trace Support payment if you meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• you have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace because:
  • you've tested positive for coronavirus; or
  • you've recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive;
• you are employed or self-employed;
• you are unable to work from home;
• you are 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; and/or
  • Pension Credit

Payment amount

Individuals who are required to self-isolate and who meet the eligibility criteria will be entitled to £500. This will be payable as a lump sum.

Payments are subject to income tax but not National Insurance contributions.

Apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment

Apply for Test and Trace Support Payment

You are entitled to the payment if you meet the eligibility criteria and have been asked to self-isolate on or after 28 September 2020.

When completing your application form you will need to submit the following evidence:

• National Insurance number
• Your 8-character NHS Test and Trace Account ID
• Your most recent bank statement, wage slip or proof of self-employment

What help can individuals get if they are not eligible for the Track and Trace Support Payment?

Local residents required to self isolate but who do not fulfil all the requirements of the Track and Trace payment scheme may be able to get other support.

The Discretionary Scheme

You may be eligible for the £500 discretionary payment if you meet all the other criteria above, but:

• you do not currently receive Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit; and are employed or self-employed; and

• you face financial hardship as a result of not being able to work while you are self-isolating

• you have a household income of less than £37,400 (couples or single parents) or £19,200 (single person) and have savings of less than £3,000

This application is for one person only and any further applications within the same household must be made by each individual. Any claim must be made within 14 days of the last day of your NHS test and trace self-isolation period.

Apply for Discretionary Payment

When completing your application form you will need to submit the following evidence:

• National Insurance number
• Your 8-character NHS Test and Trace Account ID
• Your most recent bank statement, wage slip or proof of self-employment

For both the Test and Trace Support Payment and discretionary payments, eligible individuals will receive their £500 payment on top of any benefits and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) that they currently receive.

If an individual is not successful for either the Track and Trace Support Payment or the Discretionary fund there is no right of appeal

Other sources of help 

If you don't meet the eligibility criteria, there may be other discretionary hardship funds that could help you. Please call our Coronavirus Community Hub on 01354 654321 for more information.