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Test and Trace support payments for residents

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Financial support for self-isolating Test and Trace residents

Payments of £500 will be available for Sheffield residents who have been notified by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate, providing that their period of self isolation started on or after 28th September 2020.

Under the national Test and Trace Support scheme, if people are asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, they may be entitled to this payment if they are on a low income, unable to work from home and will lose income as a result.

People who can apply for the payments must live in Sheffield and:

  • Have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
  • Are employed or self-employed
  • Are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
  • Are currently receiving:
  • 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 anyone does not receive one of these benefits above but they are on a low income and experiencing financial hardship while self-isolating they should still apply. They may be eligible for a discretionary award.

Councillor Terry Fox, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Governance said: “This payment is designed to support people on low incomes, if they will lose income as a result of self-isolating, and to encourage them to get tested if they have symptoms.

“For a resident to receive a Test and Trace support payment they must self-isolate as requested by NHS Test and Trace and it’s essential that they follow the rules on this to help stop the transmission of COVID-19 in the city and avoid further restrictions. If we do the right things here in Sheffield, and our Covid-19 cases reduce, an easing of our local restrictions would be welcomed by all of us.”

People are not eligible to apply for the payment if they:

  • Are not a Sheffield resident
  • Are quarantining after travelling abroad (unless they test positive during the 14-day quarantine period)
  • Continue to receive full wages while you self-isolate
  • Can do every aspect of their usual job from home during a period of self-isolation
  • Are no longer required to self-isolate i.e. their period of self-isolation ended before the Self-Isolation Payment Scheme launched (28th September 2020)
  • Have not received a notification from NHS Test and Trace telling them to self-isolate

People can help someone else fill out an application, or fill out an application on their behalf and payments will only be made to the person who has been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. Our Community Helpline staff are also happy to help by calling 0114 273 4567.

What proof is needed when applying?

Documents needed to be able to complete the application form are:

  • A copy of the most recent bank statement (one issued within the last two months which must clearly show proof of earnings);
  • If self-employed, proof of self-employment e.g. recent business bank statement (within the last two months), most recent set of accounts or evidence of self-assessment returns;
  • Proof of the NHS positive test code/unique reference number for COVID-19 or;
  • Proof of the code/unique reference number received from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate;
  • National Insurance Number

Further details on the scheme, which will last until 31 January 2021, are on the NHS Test and Trace website.