Test and trace support payment

To get the Test and Trace Support Payment, you must be:

• asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because you've tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
• employed or self-employed
• unable to work from home and will lose income as a result and
• 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

From 8 March 2021, the scheme has been expanded so parents or guardians who are not legally required to self-isolate can apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment or discretionary payment if they need to take time off work to care for a child or young person who is self-isolating.

Please note from 16 August 2021, fully vaccinated adults and children under 18 years and 6 months will no longer be required to isolate if they are identified as a contact of a positive case, and therefore will not be eligible for a Test and Trace Support Payment.

And from Tuesday 11 January 2022, anyone who gets a positive result from a lateral flow test will no longer need to get a follow-up PCR result if they do not have symptoms. However, if you wish to claim a TTSP you are required to take a confirmatory PCR.

Anyone fully vaccinated with a positive COVID-19 test, will remain eligible.

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 31 March 2022.

Deadline for submitting a claim

Please note that the deadline for submitting a claim is up to 42 days after the first day of an individual's period of self-isolation.

How can I apply

You can apply online using the Test and trace support payment application form (Opens in a new window).

Privacy Notice

If you apply, we will need to process your personal data to assess whether you are eligible to receive financial support, and if so, to provide a payment to you. Our Privacy Notice sets out what personal data we will use, how we will use it, and why we need to, when an applicant applies for this support. 

View the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme Privacy Notice  (105kb) (.pdf) (Opens in a new window)

Discretionary Scheme

In addition to the above scheme, the Council has developed a discretionary scheme that may assist if you meet the following criteria:

• have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because you've 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 not 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;

• have savings of less than £5,000

• are on a low income, average gross weekly pay of less than £500.00 per week but more than £95.85 per week and

• will suffer financial hardship as a result of not being able to work while self-isolating

How can I apply

You can apply online using the Test and trace support payment application form (Opens in a new window). Please note that your application will be subject to the privacy notice details above. 

For more details, view the Test and Trace Discretionary Policy (165KB) (.pdf) (Opens in a new window).

Further advice

Further advice about financial support can be found on our Support for Individuals page.