Self-isolation support payments

Residents on low incomes who are told by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate – either due to a positive Covid-19 test or being in contact with someone who has tested positive – may be entitled to financial support during self-isolation.

Since Monday (28 September), people across England have been required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace. Breaking this law could now lead to a fine of between £1,000 and £10,000.

When self-isolating, people must not go to work, school or any other public spaces. Any exercise should be taken within the home, and friends or family should be asked to buy food or other essentials.

Benefits claimants who need to self-isolate but are unable to work from home and will lose income, as a result, are eligible for a lump sum Test and Trace Support Payment of £500. In Crawley, these payments are being managed on behalf of the government by Crawley Borough Council.

To claim you will need:

• The unique ID number from your NHS Test and Trace notification
• To provide details of your employment, including the email address of your employer so they can confirm that you are unable to work from home 
• A recent bank statement, business accounts or evidence of self-assessment tax returns if you are self-employed
• Your bank details and a recent bank statement
• Your National Insurance number

For more details visit our coronavirus pages.

Our online form enabling you to apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment will be online by 12 October. Claims can be backdated to 28 September, when the scheme started.

An eligibility checker is available on the government website.