Press Release

28 September 2020

Test and Trace Support Payment scheme

Following the latest Government announcement, Fareham residents on low incomes will soon be able to claim financial support if they have to self-isolate and cannot work from home.

Claimants will be able to apply to the Council for a one-off payment of £500 under the Government’s Test and Trace Support Payment scheme, which goes live today (28 September).

To be eligible an individual must:

have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace on or after 28th September, either because they’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive;
be employed or self-employed;
be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result; and
be 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.

The scheme comes into effect, alongside the legal duty to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19 or are identified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact.

The Council will launch the application process as soon as possible. Please refer to our website for updates and further details.

ENDS