Following the Government’s announcement of a new financial support package for those required to self-isolate due to coronavirus, Bedford Borough Council has launched an online application form for residents who are eligible for support.
This package of support offers a payment of £500 to residents who are on low incomes, in receipt of certain benefits and are required to self-isolate because they have received a positive test result or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
This is designed to support people on low incomes if they will lose money because of self-isolating, and will encourage people to get tested.
To be eligible for a payment, residents must meet the following criteria, alongside being asked to self-isolate by Test and Trace:
- They are unable to work from home and will lose income because of self-isolating.
- They are 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.
Councillor Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “It’s important that this support is being offered to those who need it most.
“Because asking people to self-isolate is such a pivotal part of an effective test and trace programme, this support is needed to make it fair for people who would otherwise be hardest hit. Those on the lowest incomes shouldn’t be unfairly disadvantaged because they are doing the right thing and helping to protect our community from COVID-19.”
The Test and Trace Support Payment is available until January 31, 2021 and is subject to income tax. If you are eligible for this package and would like to apply, you can complete the online form by visiting Bedford Borough Council’s website via www.bedford.gov.uk/testandtracesupport
If you have an enquiry, you can get in contact by phoning 01234 718020 or emailing testandtracesupportpayments@bedford.gov.uk
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