Central government announced the test and trace support payments scheme on 20 September.

From 28 September there will be a new legal duty on all those who test positive for COVID-19 or are identified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact, requiring them to self-isolate.

Central government is providing funding for a new Test and Trace Support Payment scheme of a £500 lump sum payment for people on low incomes who are unable to work while they are self-isolating because they cannot work from home.

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; and
• be currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.

Herefordshire Council will verify eligibility, process applications and make payments.