Test and trace support payment

Find out about the financial support available if you have to self-isolate.

The government has a test and trace support payment to help you if you have to self-isolate and are unable to work.

How the scheme works

You you may be entitled to a payment of £500 if:

• You have tested positive for Covid-19 and been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace 
• You are not fully vaccinated and have been advised to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace 
• Your child or young person you care for has tested positive for Covid-19 and you need to care for them 

Payments will be subject to income tax, but not national insurance contributions.

The scheme will be available until 31 March 2022.

Types of payment

Depending on your personal circumstances,there are two types of payment:

• A test and trace support payment, or a
• Discretionary payment if you are facing financial hardship because you can't work while you are self-isolating

Who can apply

Test and trace support payment

If all of the following conditions apply to you, you will be entitled to a test and trace support payment of £500:

• You have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or through your child's school or college
• You are employed or self-employed
• You cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
• You receive at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit

Please see our  Test and trace support payment policy [285kb] for more information.

Discretionary payment

If you do not currently receive a benefit such as Universal Credit, housing benefit or income support, you may still be eligible for a discretionary payment of £500. To be eligible you will need to show us that you are on a low income and facing financial hardship, because you can't work while you are self-isolating.

Please see our  Test and trace support payment discretionary policy [352kb] for more information.

How to apply

You can apply now by using the button below: