Low-income earners forced to self-isolate in Preston to grab new £500 support grant

Last month The Post reported that low-income earners in Preston could soon be eligible for a new government grant if they were told to self-isolate.

The financial support grant of £500 will now be introduced to compensate for lost income during the pandemic.

Anyone who tests positive for the virus, or who is identified as a contact by Test and Trace, must currently self-isolate for 14 days under the restrictions.

The government has now introduced a new Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme, which is administered locally by Preston City Council, to provide support for working individuals on low income and facing financial hardships as a result of self isolation.

The scheme offers a one-off lump sum payment of £500 for each period of self-isolation, which qualifying residents can apply for online.

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Cabinet member for resources and performance, said: “While ensuring residents self-isolate when required is crucial in our fight against coronavirus, for many it will be an additional worry and financial burden.

“I would urge anyone who is eligible for this payment to apply so they can receive the financial support they need to help them and their families during what will be a difficult time.”

Part-time shop assistant Carol Corey, 50, from Ashton, previously told The Post that the scheme would be a 'lifeline' for her as recent medical health procedures meant she was unable to work, following a notification from the test and trace system.

"Money worries are definitely on my mind because I already struggle to pay the rent with the dates that I get paid from work and universal credit," she added.

Those who qualify for the new grant will need to have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace system on or after September 28.

They must also be employed, or self-employed, unable to work from home and lose income as a result of their isolation period.

Universal Credit; Working Tax Credit; income-based Employment and Support Allowance; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; Income Support; Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit also have to be claimed.

Discretionary payments are also available for those not on these benefits - with those applying having to demonstrate they are unable to work from home, they will lose income as a result of this, and will face financial hardship as a result.

For more information visit preston.gov.uk