People in Milton Keynes reminded about £500 self-isolation payment as 'pingdemic' continues to hit

People that have been told to self-isolate are being reminded about the one-off payment of £500 that is available in certain cases.

The Test and Trace payment, made by Milton Keynes Council on behalf of the Government, is for people on low incomes who have to self-isolate due to coronavirus (COVID-19). 

It may also be available to those that are employed or self-employed, cannot work from home, and will lose income as a result.

The pot of money can be dished out to people that have tested positive for the virus, been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, or are looking after a child that is isolating. 

If you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, or are caring for child who’s self-isolating, you may be able to apply for the £500 Test and Trace support payment.

To find out more and apply, please visit out website: https://t.co/a3QbrtxnDn pic.twitter.com/S80JbypxYx

— Milton Keynes City Council (@mkcouncil) July 26, 2021

According to Milton Keynes Council, in order to be eligible for the Test and Trace payment you must: 

- have been notified by NHS Test and Trace on or after 28 September 2020 (not before) that you must self-isolate; or 

- have been identified as a close contact by the NHS COVID-19 App from 10 December 2020,

and

- you’ve responded to any email, text, letter or phone call messages received from NHS Test and Trace and have provided any legally required information, such as your contact details. If you have tested positive you will also be asked to provide the details of people with whom you have been in contact; 

and  

- have a unique 8 digit number provided by the NHS Test & Trace;

- be employed or self-employed;

- be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result;

- are currently receiving 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
• Pension Credit
• have claimed the Test and Trace Self Isolation payment within 42 days of the first day of your self-isolation.

You must meet all of the above criteria to be eligible for a payment but if you do not receive one of the listed benefits and are experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Test and Trace payment.

To find out more about the Test and Trace payment, and to apply, please click here.