Residents across Sefton are being reminded that they may be eligible for a £500 payment if they have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

The scheme has been in place since the end of September to ensure that people do self-isolate when they are required to, and to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Those who are in receipt of certain benefits and cannot work during a self-isolation period, are being urged to apply for the one-off Test and Trace Support payment.

To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, an individual must:

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-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.
Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said:

“Self-isolating is one of the simplest and most effective means of containing the virus and we need everyone to continue to take responsibility and play their part in ensuring people are protected. We do not want anyone across our Borough to fail to self-isolate because of financial concerns during that time. The Council may be able to help if you’re struggling financially.

“Sefton residents should check if they are eligible for this support and know that applications can be back dated to the start of the scheme which was introduced at the end of September.”

Applications for those who qualify must be made to the Council and documentation will be required as part of the process.

Claimants will be asked to provide proof of NHS Test and Trace requesting they self-isolate, a bank statement and proof of employment or self-employment (such as evidence of self-assessment returns) and their National Insurance Number.

Applications will be able to be back dated from the launch date of Monday 28th September.

Everything about the application process is outlined on the Sefton Council website: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/covid-19-i...nt-scheme.aspx

People must self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from when their symptoms begin, or if they have tested positive and show no symptoms. People must self-isolate for 14 days if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.

People who fail to self-isolate when required could face fines of up to £10,000