Some citizens of Derby will able to access a grant from Monday 12th October to help them through the period of self-isolation, if they are asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace.
The national scheme has been launched by the government to ensure that those who have to self-isolate do not struggle financially as a result, and to encourage people to stay at home during the period to prevent infecting others.
Those who are eligible will be given a £500 payment to self-isolate for up to 14 days.
Applicants must have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either if for testing positive for coronavirus or as a close contact of a positive case. Those who have not tested positive for Covid-19 will not qualify – even if they have symptoms.
Applicants must also be employed or self-employed and unable to work from home – losing income as a result, and be in receipt of 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.
If you meet the criteria, with the exception of being in receipt of one of the listed benefits, applications will be assessed for a £500 discretionary award if you indicate this on your application and are eligible for a grant under the scheme.
Applicants will be able to submit an online form via the DCC website through myAccount from Monday 12th October. Only those who are unable to fill in the form themselves, and do not have support for doing so, can call 01332 640202.
Payments will be available to eligible applicants who started to self-isolate from 28th September onwards. Anyone who started to self-isolate from 28th September will be able to receive a backdated payment after the scheme takes effect.
Councillor Nicola Roulstone, Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement, said:
We welcome the funding to be able to support citizens of Derby to self-isolate if they are asked to do so – this is not only a legal requirement but also one of our best ways to protect others against catching COVID-19. The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for many people for various reasons, one being financial. Self-isolating without any kind of support for loss of income could have a huge impact and this grant will take some pressure off those who are unable to work during this period. We would encourage residents who are asked to self-isolate and are eligible for the grant to apply online and do the right thing for Derby by remaining at home.