People in Harborough forced to self-isolate by Covid-19 can now apply for a one-off payment

People being forced to self-isolate by Covid-19 are now able to apply for a one-off payment to help ease the financial impact of having to remain at home.

People in England were required by law to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace service and advised to quarantine from Monday September 28.

To support people on low incomes unable to work from home, and whose finances are reduced by isolation, the Government has set up a Test and Trace Isolation support scheme.

Up until Sunday January 31, 2021 people may be able to claim a one-off payment of £500 to support them during each period of isolation.

That’s subject to satisfying the eligibility criteria of the blueprint.

The initiative for residents in Harborough district was going live from Monday October 12.

You can check out all the details, including eligibility criteria, by visiting www.harborough.gov.uk/testandtrace

If a person does not meet the eligibility criteria for the main scheme, they may be able to claim as part of the council’s discretionary scheme instead.

Anybody wanting to make a claim has 14 days from the date their isolation ended to complete their application.

Cllr Phil King, the leader of Harborough District Council, said: “It is crucial that people self-isolate if they show symptoms of coronavirus, or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace, and this scheme will help ease the worry while they’re doing the right thing and protecting others from the virus.”

Residents are encouraged to share information about this scheme with family and friends so people are aware that there is financial support in place to help pay essential bills.

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