£500 isolation support

Peterborough residents can now apply for the new Test and Trace self-isolation support payment of £500 if they lose income as a result of not being able to work.

The government recently announced the new payment aimed at helping make up for any lost income people face due to having to stay at home andself-isolate andtaskedlocal authorities to have this in place by 12 October, with payments backdatedtoSeptember28. You will be eligible for the self-isolation support payment if you meet all the following criteria:

you have been asked to self• isolate by NHS Test and Trace because you have tested positive for Covid-19 or have been in close contact withsomeone who has tested positive

you are employed or self• employed •youca■■otworkfromhome andwillloseincomeasaresult

you are claiming at least • one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit

NHS Test and Trace ID number, bank statement, and proof of employment or self-assessment returns will need to be provided. Payment is sent within 3 working days. Claims are made via Peterborough: www.peterborough.gov.uk/selfisolationpayment

Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health for Peterborough said: “We need to continue to do all we can to control the spread of the virus. Self-isolation is one of the most powerful tools for controlling the transmission of Covid-19, and this newTestandTraceSupport paymentwillensureindividuals on a low income will be able to claim a £500 lump sum payment if they cannot work from home and are required to self-isolate.”