COVID-19 Update – 28 August – Payment for people self-isolating in high-risk areas

The government is implementing a new scheme where those who are on a low income, have to self-isolate and are unable to work from home in areas with a high incidence of COVID-19 will benefit from a new payment scheme.

Starting on the 1 September the scheme will initially be rolled out in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle, and Oldham on a trial basis with people who test positive for COVID-19 and are eligible for the scheme receiving £130 for their 10-day self-isolation period. Members of their household who also have to self-isolate will be entitled to £182 and non-household contacts advised to self-isolate through Test and Trace will receive up to £182 depending on the length of their isolation period.

The scheme is designed to support people who are unable to work from home while self-isolating and will be made available to those who are currently receiving Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit. Payments will be made with 48 hours of providing the necessary evidence.

Further details on how much payment will equate to and who is eligible can be found on the Gov.uk website.

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