Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme
PRESS RELEASE
Ref: EW/130/2020
Date: 5 October 2020
Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme
The Test and Trace Support payment of £500 is to help people who have been told to self-isolate by the NHS.
It is for anyone employed or self-employed on a low income and in receipt of certain benefits who has tested positive for COVID-19 or been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. They will need to be unable to work from home and have received a notification from the NHS to self-isolate.
Stephen McGinnes, Mid Kent Services Director said: “If you’re someone who is on a lower
income, who cannot work from home and has lost income as a result of self-isolating, you could get help with this new Test and Trace support payment.
“These payments of £500 are designed to make
sure people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts
self-isolate for the required period to stop the onward spread of the virus.
“They are also designed to encourage
individuals who are eligible for this payment to get tested if they have
symptoms. This is important to help stop the transmission of COVID-19 and avoid
further economic and societal restrictions.
“Do
you know someone who might qualify? If so, please let them know and also make
sure you tell your friends and family. We are encouraging anyone in
Maidstone on a low income who needs financial support while having to
self-isolate to apply as soon as possible.”
All applications must be made within 14 days of the end of a self-isolation period and the
scheme is open until 31 January 2021.Anyone who is told to
self-isolate on or after 28 September will be able to make a backdated claim
for payment as long as they have received notification from the NHS.
To
apply people need to complete an online self-isolation payment application form
which will then be assessed for eligibility:maidstone.gov.uk/testandtracesupport
For
more information about the scheme please visit:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-package-to-support-and-enforce-self-isolation
Notes to Editors:
The qualifying criteria are:
- have been asked
to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because they’ve tested
positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with
someone who has tested positive
- be employed or self-employed
- be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
- be currently 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.
If you would like further details, please contact the Maidstone Borough Council Communications Team: email: communications@maidstone.gov.uk or call: 01622 602560
Ella Watkins
Deputy Communications Manager
Maidstone Borough Council, King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6JQ
t 01622 602554 / 01622 602560wwww.maidstone.gov.uk
(Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm)