New support available for workers having to self-isolate
Published: 13 October 2020
Financial support is being made available to employed or self-employed people living in Exeter who are having to self-isolate as a result of coronavirus and cannot work from home.
The new national scheme is being administered by Exeter City Council on behalf of the government.
It applies to people who have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace since 28 September, cannot work from home, will lose income as a result and are in receipt of one of a number of qualifying benefits.
The support will take the form of a single payment of £500.
To receive the support, residents will need to make a claim and provide evidence to confirm their eligibility. A valid NHS Test & Trace reference number will be essential to allow a claim to be made.
Qualifying benefits are:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credits
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
Alongside the standard scheme of support there is a limited amount of discretionary support available for low income workers who meet all of the eligibility conditions except being in receipt of a qualifying benefit.
To find out more, and to make an application, visit the Council’s Test and Trace Support Payment page . Anyone not able to claim online should call 01392 265440 for assistance.
Other support is available to those suffering financial hardship. Visit the Exeter Wellbeing Support Fund page or call the team on 01392 265000.