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Test and Trace Support Payment scheme

The Test and Trace Support Payment ended on 24 February 2022.

Anyone who was required to self-isolate on or before 23 February 2022 will have 42 days from the first day of their self-isolation period to submit a claim. You can check whether you are eligible for a support payment here: Claiming financial support under the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Individuals who stay at home if they test positive for COVID-19 or are displaying COVID-19 symptoms from 24 February 2022 may be eligible for other government support, such as Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. More information can be seen at: Browse: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please note from the 16th August 2021, anyone fully vaccinated (double jabbed) will not have to isolate as a result of being identified as a contact, therefore, will be ineligible for a Test and Trace Support Payment.

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 Test and Trace Support Payment you are required to take a confirmatory PCR.

However, anyone fully vaccinated with a positive Covid-19 test, will remain eligible. 

Anyone under 18 years and 6 months, who is identified as a contact will also be exempt from the scheme.

Who can get the Test and Trace Support Payment?

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

  • aged over 18 years and 6 months

  • asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace from 28th September 2020 or via the NHS COVID-19 App from 10th December 2020, either because they’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive

  • have responded to messages received from NHS Test and Trace (which will have been received via a combination of email, text, letter or phone call) in which they provided their contact details and where they have tested positive, the details of their contacts.

  • looking after a child aged 15 or under who is usually attending an educational or childcare setting but is self-isolating on or after 8th March 2021

  • looking after someone aged 25 or under with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who is usually attending an educational setting but is self-isolating on or after 8th March 2021

  • employed or self-employed, and

    • unable to work from home and will lose income as a result, and

    • 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.

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 31st March 2022.

When did this come into force?

The main and discretionary scheme came into effect on 28th September 2020.  The scheme was extended from 8th March 2021 to include parents and guardians of a child required to self-isolate.

Are you eligible for Test and Trace Support Payments?

You will NOT be eligible if you:

  • are quarantining after travelling abroad (unless you test positive during the 14-day quarantine period)
  • continue to receive full wages while you self-isolate
  • can work from home during a period of self-isolation
  • are no longer required to self-isolate i.e. your period of self-isolation ended before the scheme launched on Monday 28 September 2020
  • have not received a notification from NHS Test and Trace telling you to self-isolate (unless you are the parent or guardian of a child required to self isolate)
  • have not made an application within 42 days after the first day of your period of self-isolation
  • are aged under 18 years and 6 months
  • have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and have not had a positive COVID-19 test

Before you apply

To apply, you must provide:

  • your personal details
  • a notification from NHS Test and Trace asking you to self-isolate (this will include a Unique ID number) unless you are a parent or guardian of a child required to self-isolate
  • a bank statement (showing the account details where the payment will be made)
  • details of benefits you receive
  • details of your employment

Apply for the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment.

Discretionary Payment

You may be eligible for £500 discretionary payment if you meet all the other eligibility criteria above, but:

  • You do not currently receive Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit
  • You have savings of less than £5,000
  • Prior to isolation your average gross weekly pay is less than £500.00 per week and more than £96.35 per week
  • You will suffer financial hardship as a result of self-isolation.