Residents who are receiving certain benefits, are unable to work from home and are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, can now apply for a £500 government Test and Trace Support Payment.

Find out more about how to apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment

Applications can be backdated to 28 September 2020. Anyone having difficulty applying online should call us on 0300 1234 121 (option 5).

The scheme will help ensure people who have tested positive for COVID19 and their close contacts self-isolate for the required period to stop the onward spread of the virus.

Who can apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment?

Residents are entitled to a government funded Test and Trace Support Payment of £500 when

• you have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

You will have,

• tested positive for coronavirus
• or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

You must be employed or self-employed, unable to work from home and confirm that you will lose income as a result of having to self-isolate.

You must also be?currently receiving one of following benefits

• Universal Credit
• Employment Support Allowance (income-based)
• Working Tax Credit
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit

Residents who are on a low income but not yet receiving one of these benefits may be eligible for a payment through Cornwall Council’s discretionary support scheme.

Applications can be backdated to 28 September and can be made up to 14 days after a period of self-isolation has ended.

Cornwall Council deputy leader Adam Paynter said: “It is very important that anyone who is told by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate realises that they are legally obliged to do so.

"This new government Test and Trace Support Payment scheme is designed to financially support people on low incomes. We’ll be processing applications as quickly as we can so that this vital support for those who will lose income as a result of self-isolating is given to those who meet the government eligibility criteria.

"If you don’t meet that criteria, you may still be able to claim support through the Council’s discretionary scheme."

The government has said that the scheme will last until 31 January 2021.