This statement has been provided to us by the DWP.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister gave a statement on the Government’s response to the rising number of Coronavirus cases.
The Prime Minister outlined new restrictions and actions. You can read further details in the Prime Minister's statement. We ask you to share this update with your staff, members and via your channels.
We would also like to update you on the new package to support and enforce self-isolation announced earlier this week. From 28 September, people will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by Test and Trace. To ensure that people on lower incomes are able to self-isolate without worry about their finances, people in receipt of benefits will be eligible for a new Test and Trace Support payment of £500.
Those eligible for this new payment will be current recipients of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.
Local Authorities will be working quickly to set up these self-isolation support schemes and we expect them to be in place by 12 October. Those who start to self-isolate from 28 September will receive backdated payments once the scheme is set up in their Local Authority.
Published on Wednesday 23rd September 2020