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Issue. 124 - Oct/Nov - 2020 0115 6972677 | www.wilcopmedia.co.uk | sales@wilcopmedia.co.uk
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£500 support for those
self-isolating on low incomes People self-isolating due to coronavirus could receive financial support of £500 to compensate for lost income. Anyone who tests positive for the virus, or who is identified as a contact by Test and Trace, must self-isolate for 14 days. 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 hardship as a result of having to selfisolate. The scheme offers a one-off lump sum payment of £500 for each period of selfisolation, 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
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they can receive the financial support they need to help them and their families during what will be a difficult time." Anyone who meets the following criteria is entitled to a payment: • You have been told to selfisolate by NHS Test and Trace on or after 28 September 2020
• You are employed or selfemployed • You cannot work from home and will lose income as a result • You are currently receiving at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit; Working Tax Credit; incomebased Employment and
Support Allowance; income-based Jobseeker's Allowance; Income Support; Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit. 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. The scheme is open until 31 January 2021.