Residents in receipt of welfare benefits in Bath and North East Somerset whose earnings will be affected after being told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace will be able to apply for a £500 Government support grant from today (October 12).

The Test and Trace Support Grant will be administered by Bath & North East Somerset Council and people who think they are eligible can apply online.

To be eligible for the grant:

- You must have been instructed by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate for a period starting on or after 28.09.2020 because you have either tested positive or been in close contact with someone else who has tested positive for Covid-19.

- You must be employed or self-employed.

- You must be unable to do your job from home and have lost out financially as a result.

- You must be in receipt of one or more of these benefits; Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income based Employment Support Allowance, Income based Jobseekers Allowance or Pension Credit.

- People who do not receive any of these benefits but fulfil the other criteria and are on a low income, may be entitled to a discretionary payment of £500.

More details and link to apply online can be found by clicking HERE: the B&NES site

The B&NES Compassionate Community Hub continues to help vulnerable people during the pandemic. If you are in self-isolation and require help with food but do not meet the qualify criteria for the self-isolation payment, or if you need support for your welfare or wellbeing please contact the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or by email [email protected]

If you are unable to apply for this grant online please telephone the Welfare Support Team on 01225 477277.

Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy Leader, said: "It is a legal requirement put in place by the Government that you must self-isolate for 10-14 days if told to do so by NHS Test and Trace, enforceable by large fines. However, it is a fact for some people having to self-isolate that they will lose income as a result of having to do this. If you think you are in this group, please don't delay – apply for a Test and Trace Support Grant now. We are here to make sure you have the help you need, including support from Government and local support from the Compassionate Community Hub, as we have been throughout the pandemic."

Applications must be made within 14 days of the last day of the period of self-isolation. People who have been asked to self-isolate before September 28 will not qualify for a grant for that period.

The lump sum payment may apply to each person who meets the qualifying criteria set out above. In a household where there are two adults, both may qualify for a lump sum payment of £500, however both must have been instructed by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate and must meet the other qualifying criteria.