A new government fund called the Test and Trace support payment is intended to give a £500 boost to those who are self-isolating and are struggling financially as a result.

Residents of north Herts, including Hitchin, in receipt of certain benefits, who cannot work after being told to self-isolate, can apply for the one-off, lump sum.

The new scheme is for people on low incomes who are unable to work from home.

In response to a rise in Covid numbers across the country, the government has made it compulsory for people to self-isolate if the NHS has told them, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or because they have been in close contact with someone who has.

From next week, the fund, administered by North Herts District Council, will distribute cash to those who qualify.

To be eligible you must:

• Have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace;

• Be employed or self-employed;

• Be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result;

• 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 council will also have a discretionary fund for residents who do not qualify for the Test and Trace Support Payment, but need financial support to self-isolate.

Anyone notified of a positive test result and any of their notified contacts will have a legal duty to self-isolate. Failure to comply is an offence carrying a fine of at least £1,000 and up to £10,000 for several breaches.

Those testing positive for COVID-19 are legally obliged to self-isolate for a period ending 10 days after first showing symptoms or, for people who did not have symptoms when they were tested, 10 days after the test.

Other members of their household are legally obliged to self-isolate for 14 days after the infected person first showed symptoms or after they were tested.

For further information on eligibility and to apply visit the council webpage: or email [email protected] or call 01462 474597.