Test and trace support payment
Due to the high volume of applications we are receiving, it may take up to ten working days for a decision to be emailed through to you. Please do not contact us to chase your payment until at least ten days following the submission of your application.
Read about the Government's financial package to support and enforce self-isolation
In some circumstances, if you are required by law to self-isolate, you may be supported by a payment of £500, payable through Sandwell Council.
Information about the scheme
Who can get the Test & Trace Support Payment?
To get the Test & Trace Support Payment, you must be:
- asked to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace either because you’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
- (Please note that you must complete the NHS registration process or your details will not appear on the NHS system and we will be unable to award your payment)
- employed or self-employed
- unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
- currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment & Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.
Parents/Guardians
The Test and Trace Support Payment scheme has now been extended to parents and guardians who are not legally required to self-isolate, but who need to take time off work to look after a child or young person who is self-isolating.
Customers will need to satisfy the following criteria :
• They are the parent or guardian of a child or young person in the same household and need to take time off work to care for them while they self-isolate. This is limited to one parent or guardian per household for the child or young person’s self isolation period.
• They are employed or self-employed.
• They cannot work from home while undertaking caring responsibilities and will lose income as a result.
• They meet all the other means-tested eligibility criteria for a Test and Trace Support Payment or locally determined criteria for a discretionary payment (As above)
• The child or young person:
- Is aged 15 or under (or 25 or under with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC)) and normally attends an education or childcare setting.
- Has been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or by their education or childcare setting because they have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Please note that if you are not receiving any of the above benefits you may still be eligible for a discretionary Test and Trace Support payment from Sandwell Council if you are on a low income and are experiencing financial hardship as a result of being asked to self-isolate.
To qualify for this Discretionary payment you must :
- Have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace on or after 28th September 2020 either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
- be employed or self-employed
- be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
- be on a low income (Earn less than £26,000 per year (£500 per week)
- be suffering financial hardship
Please note: If your payment is approved, it may take up to five days for the bank transfer to take place.
Time limit to submit your Test and Trace support payment application
You must submit your application within 42 days of the first day of your isolation
How much is the payment?
You may be supported by a lump sum payment of £500.
Will this payment be taxed?
This payment will be subject to income tax. It will not be subject to National Insurance contributions.
How long will this be in place for?
The scheme will run until 30 September 2021.
When will this come into force?
These changes came into effect on 28 September 2020, alongside the legal duty to self-isolate. Individuals who are eligible prior to that date will be able to make a backdated claim.
Advice and guidance on how to fill the Test and Trace Support form in is available on Youtube.
Practical help and support
Get emergency help if you are having to self-isolate.
Please make sure that the bank details that you enter as part of the application are correct, otherwise your claim will be rejected and you will need to re-apply.