SERVICE DETAILS
If you have been told to self-isolate and meet the following criteria you may be eligible for a £500 grant
You
- Have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Protect
- Are in receipt of low income benefites
- Will lose income from employment as a result
This grant opened on 12 October 2020.
The Scottish Government is providing a grant of £500 to people who are in receipt of low income benefits and who will lose income as a result of being asked to self-isolate by Test and Protect to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The grant will support people who would otherwise struggle to be able to afford to comply with the requirement to self isolate. It provides the financial support they need to meet their basic needs during the 14 day period in which they are unable to work. You must apply to the Council where you live.
Only people self-isolating from 28 September 2020 can apply. The grant does not have to be paid back and will run until 31 January 2021.
Who can apply
To apply you must meet all of the following...
- Have been advised by Test and Protect to self-isolate due to COVID-19
- Be employed or self employed
- 16 years old or over
- Experience reduced earnings as a result of being required to self-isolate
- Not be able to work from home
- In receipt of any of the following benefits:
Universal Credit
Income Support
Income Related Job Seekers Allowance
Income Related Employment Support Allowance
Housing Benefit
Working Tax Credits
Pension Credit
If you have no recourse to public funds or are an EEA national without settled status you will not be in receipt of the benefits listed but must be able to demonstrate you have a low income.
Evidence requirements
You will need to provide the following evidence to prove you are eligible.
- Proof that you are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits
- A recent bank statement
- Proof of employment or self-employment and that you cannot work from home
- Proof that your earned income will reduce as a result of having to self-isolate
- If no recourse to public funds, a letter from immigration or your passport confirming no recourse
When a grant cannot be paid
A grant cannot be paid if:
- Test and Protect Service has not requested that you self-isolate.
- Test and Protect requested that you self isolate before 28 September 2020
- You are not employed or self-employed.
For example, you would not qualify if you are self-isolating because you are returning to the UK after being abroad or because you feel that you have symptoms and haven't been tested. If you are self-isolating under any other circumstances and you are struggling financially then you should apply for a Crisis Grant.
How to apply...
Eligible applicants will receive a £500 grant paid directly to them. We aim to make payment to you within three working days of receiving a fully complete application with all supporting evidence. Please see https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/selfisolationsupportgrant.
Self-Isolation Support Grant application line
This line is for applications only when you are unable to apply online. We are not able to provide updates over the telephone.
Our telephone (0131 469 2922) opening times are Monday to Thursday 10:00am to 4:45pm and Friday 10:00am to 3:40pm.
