Working people who’ve had to self-isolate because they have Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who’s tested positive have claimed much-needed Welsh Government grants with help from Swansea Council.
The Self-Isolation Support scheme aimed at supporting individuals told by the NHS Wales Test, Trace Protect service to self-isolate was launched in Swansea 10 days ago and so far almost 50 people have been given £500 payments to help tide them over.
The allowances are designed to ensure that eligible people asked to self-isolate do not lose income by abiding by the rules. The arrangements are being administered by councils but the rules have been set out by Welsh Government which is also funding the scheme.
Applicants will have to fit certain eligibility criteria to qualify for one of two types of Self-Isolation Support payments.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “It’s good news that those entitled to the payments are getting them as swiftly as possible. We understand how difficult things can be when people are asked to do the right thing and self-isolate to protect themselves, their families and their communities.
“The payments will come as a relief, particularly now in the run-in to Christmas.”
Anyone in work or self-employed who has been told by an NHS Wales Contact Tracer to self-isolate on or after October 23 this year, could potentially be able to claim a Self-Isolation payment.
However, they will need to meet a number of other strict criteria to get the grant.
They must be employed or self employed, unable to work from home and going to lose income as a result of that. Also, they must be receiving at least one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
In addition, there is a second Self-Isolation Support scheme which allows a local authority to make a discretionary £500 payment to people in exceptional circumstances who meet most of the criteria for the main grant but do not receive one of the benefits in the list.
For a discretionary payment to be awarded, a person must be facing financial hardship as a result of not being able to work while self isolating.
Welsh Government have provided examples of when they consider a discretionary payment could be made:
- To people with No Recourse to Public Funds (in other words, anyone who is not allowed to claim most benefits, tax credits or housing assistance that is paid by the state).
- To people in households with a total income below £350 a week AND savings less than £6,000. For couples this will be their joint income and savings amounts.
To find out more about Self-Isolation Payment grants and how to apply for one, please go to www.gov.wales/self-isolation-support-scheme or www.swansea.gov.uk/isolationpayment
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