A Test and Trace support payment of £500 is now available in Mid Sussex to provide financial support to those on low incomes when they are required to self-isolate.

There is a legal duty to self-isolate if asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace. This could be necessary due to having tested positive for COVID19 or being in contact with someone who has tested positive. To support people on low incomes, whose earnings will be affected if they need to self-isolate for 14 days, a new Test and Trace payment scheme has been set up. Under the scheme, residents could be eligible for a payment of £500 if they cannot work and must stay at home.

People in Mid Sussex may be eligible if all the following apply:

• They have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because they have tested positive for COVID19 or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
• They are employed or self-employed.
• They cannot work from home and will lose income as a result.
• They are in receipt of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Job Seekers’ Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.

People who are not receiving one of these benefits but are on a low income and suffering financial hardship due to self-isolation are advised that help is available under a discretionary scheme. Anyone who has been asked to self-isolate after 28 September 2020 will qualify for a backdated payment if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Councillor Ruth De Mierre, Mid Sussex Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said:

“The new Test and Trace payment scheme will provide vital support for residents in our district who will struggle financially if they have to self-isolate. It is so important that, during this challenging time, we all come together to protect and help each other in our fight against this awful virus.”

To apply for the new Test and Trace support payment visit https://midsussex.grantapproval.co.uk/

For more information about NHS Test and Trace visit www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works.