How to apply for £500 self-isolation grant in Calderdale

It is now a legal requirement for those testing positive for COVID-19, or those identified by NHS Test and Trace as a contact of someone with the virus, to self-isolate for 14 days.

For some people, being unable to work for this period of time could cause financial difficulties. It has now been announced by government that a one-off payment of £500 is available for those on lower incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result of self-isolating.

The Test and Trace Support Payment will be administered by local councils and Calderdale is working to ensure a system is quickly in place to enable people who are eligible for support to claim this funding.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Coun Susan Press, said: “If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace it’s so important that you self-isolate.

"Not only is this a legal requirement, it’s also one of the most important ways we can prevent the spread of COVID-19, by breaking the chain of infection.

“However, we know that for many people, particularly those on low income, the financial implications of not being able to work due to self-isolation can be severe.

“We therefore welcome the announcement that funding of £500 will be available to support people on low incomes who are unable to work while they are self-isolating, because they cannot work from home.

“We are now in the process of setting up the application form and Test and Trace colleagues will provide details to those people who may be eligible on how to apply for this payment.”

Application arrangements will be in place on the Council website (www.calderdale.gov.uk) as soon as possible and by Monday 12 October at the latest.

People who are eligible for funding, who are notified on or after 28 September that they have to self-isolate, are able to make backdated claims where necessary.

Applicants will need to submit supporting evidence including their ID number from NHS Test and Trace, bank details, proof of employment and evidence that a required welfare support is in payment.