How the system will work

Q How much will the payments be?

A Anyone who tests positive, and who is in receipt of Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit, will receive £132 for their 10-day selfisolation, while other members of their household, as well as nonhousehold contacts, will receive £182 for 14 days of self-isolation.

Q Are the payments means-tested?

A Yes. They are only available to people who receive Universal Credit (UC) or Working Tax Credits (WTC) and who are unable to work from home. Payments will be made within 48 hours.

Q How do I know if I am eligible?

A You must have tested positive for Covid-19 or received a notification from NHS Test and Trace asking you to self-isolate. You will also have to have agreed to comply with the notification from NHS Test and Trace and provided contact details to the local authority. You will be asked to provide notification from NHS Test and Trace as well as a bank statement.

Q Do I need to be in work?

A Yes. You must be employed or self-employed to get the payments. Employed people will be asked to show proof. Self-employed people will be required to show evidence of trading income and that their business delivers services which the local authority judges they are unable to carry out without social contact. You must also be unable to work from home, and show that you will lose income as a result of self-isolation. Checks will be undertaken on all applicants by local authorities.

Q How long do the payments last?

A They will last for 10 days if you have tested positive for coronavirus, or 14 days if you have been asked to self-isolate because you live with someone who has tested positive or have come into contact with someone who tests positive.

Q How will the payments be made?

A The payments will be made by local authorities and will be paid directly into the same bank account that already receives UC or WTC. Recipients will be given details of how they can claim the money when they are contacted by NHS Test and Trace.