New financial support for self-isolation
We have launched a new scheme to support people who need to self-isolate because of COVID-19. Anyone who is unable to do their job and is in receipt of certain benefits is now able to claim £500 to support them during their isolation.
Who can access the scheme?
The scheme is open to people who are employed or self-employed and are unable to work from home. To claim the support, Kirklees residents will also have to be in receipt of one or more 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.
When can you access the scheme?
The scheme already in force is for anyone who has been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace on or after 28 September 2020. Residents just need to log on to the council’s website to make their claim. The scheme is due to run until the end of January 2021.
How can I apply for financial support?
Anyone who meets the criteria and who has been told to self-isolate from 28 September can apply for a Test and Trace support payment or call 0800 456 1114 to see if they are eligible for financial support.
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council said:
“I’ve been calling for more financial support to people who need to self-isolate. So I’m pleased that the government has now agreed to help us set up this new scheme. If we are going to get control of the virus, we need to isolate it. This payment will help people across Kirklees to do the right thing when they are asked to self-isolate and help us stop the spread.
It’s so important that anyone who has the virus stays away from work and anyone they don’t live with for as long as the NHS tells them. That’s why we are trying to make it as quick and easy as possible for people to claim support to see them through self-isolation. So if you can’t do your job due to self-isolation and are in receipt of benefits, make sure you log on to our website or call the helpline.
Self-isolation is a crucial part of our fight against COVID-19. But everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread. We all need to keep social distancing, washing our hands, wearing a face covering and avoiding crowds. If we can do all those things, we will bring infections down and save lives.”
Hi Julie, if someone isn’t on benefits when they tick the box says ‘none of the above’ for benefits on the application, their case will then be reviewed to see if they will suffer financial hardship even if they aren’t in receipt of benefits if they fulfil other criteria they may qualify for a discretionary payment also. Kind regards ^CP
Hello SK, if someone isn’t on benefits when they tick the box says ‘none of the above’ for benefits on the application, their case will then be reviewed to see if they will suffer financial hardship even if they aren’t in receipt of benefits if they fulfil other criteria they may qualify for a discretionary payment also. Kind regards ^CP
This should not be means tested. A working person who earns more than the threshold for benefits is no more able to afford the loss of 2 weeks pay than somebody in receipt of benefits.
SSP is no substitute – it is less than £100 per week.
Hello Andeve, the isolation grant is for those who are working and have been told to isolate by test and trace. You may be entitled to support from local welfare provision though – please visit https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/benefits/local-welfare-provision.aspx Kind regards ^CP
Hello, i have been self isolating now for six months through choice as I have sleep apnea
have been put on oxygen for at least 16hours a day because my oxygen level has been low for some time leading to blackouts and fallinng on the floor. Now I need to self isolate. I do not work as I am retired. How does this affect my applying for this grant? Or any other help available? Looking forward to a reply. Thank you.
What about people who work full time and isn’t receiving any benefits, needs to self isolate but cannot afford to, is there any help for them?? is there any scheme set up for workers that have worked all their life and paid into the system and never claimed a penny?? if not then this is discrimination against people that are in employment, therefore are not in a position to self-isolate so the virus spreads even more, it`s these people that also need help.