COVID-19 Test and Trace support payments
If you’ve been told by the NHS to self-isolate, either because you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or you’ve been in contact with someone who’s tested positive, you may be able to get some financial help while self-isolating.
Financial help is available only for those with very low earnings, who can’t work from home and will lose income as a result To be eligible for a payment you must also have earnings at a level where you may receive an “in work benefit”, such as Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit.
Who isn't eligible
You can't get the support payment and should not submit an application if ANY of the following applies to you:
- haven't been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
- continue to get full wages while you self-isolate
- are on paid furlough
- can work from home while self-isolating
- started your period of self-isolation before 28 September 2020
- aren't receiving an “in work benefit”, such as Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, and have gross earnings of more than £350 per week (or about £18k per year)
Who is eligible
You may be eligible for the support payment if you meet ALL of the following criteria:
- be living the borough of Southwark
- have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
- currently employed or self-employed;
- unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
- be receiving an “in work benefit”, such as Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit
People who qualify will receive a £500.00 lump sum payment - a cash amount roughly equivalent to earnings lost during the period they have to self-isolate. If you have a partner who works, their earnings won't be taken into account when we decide whether you're eligible for a payment.
What to do if you've been told to self-isolate
Do not go to work, school, grocery shopping, GP surgery, hospital or public areas, and don't use public transport or taxis.
Read more about how to self-isolate and get support to stay safe at home.
How long you need to self-isolate depends on if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) or you've been in close contact with someone who does.
More information about self-isolating:
Help someone else to apply or apply on their behalf
You can help someone else to apply or apply on their behalf, but you can't receive payments on behalf of someone else. Payments will only be made to the person who has been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
Before you start
To apply you'll need:
- proof of the Account ID you have received from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate
- a copy of your latest bank statement (dated within the last two months which must show your name, address, account number and proof of earnings);
- your most recent wage slip and your employer’s contact details if you are employed
- either a recent business bank statement (within the last two months), or your most recent set of accounts or self-assessment return if you are self employed
- your National Insurance Number.
Fraud
You may be prosecuted if you give false or misleading information to get these payments, including failure to self-isolate which puts others at risk. You'll have to pay back any payment made as a result of fraud or error.
The government is helping us to make the checks to make sure that payments are made correctly.
Apply for a payment
Apply for a COVID-19 Test and Trace support payment
Page last updated: 19 January 2021
