£500 COVID payment available for Wiltshire residents in need

The scheme is designed to support those out of pocket because they are having to self-isolate

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 8th Dec 2020
Last updated 8th Dec 2020

Wiltshire Council says financial support from the government is still available for low-income residents, that have been required to self-isolate due to COVID-19.

There are fears people will lose money because they are unable to work.

The local authority is keen to stress only eligible residents should apply, after receiving what it called "a high number of ineligible applications".

So far, the scheme has seen a total of 559 applications.

Less than a third have been successful.

According to the Council, it cannot accept applications made more than 14 days after the end of a person's self-isolation period.

Applicants must also have an NHS Test and Trace number and be in receipt of a qualifying welfare benefit, to qualify for the payment.

For discretionary claims, where someone is not in receipt of welfare benefits, the Council will ask the person to complete a standard means test, to help consider whether their income has been significantly reduced.

Cllr Pauline Church, Cabinet Member for Finance, Procurement and Commercial Investment, said:

"This is a scheme set up to support people who really need it and are losing income because of self-isolation after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

"We want to remind people that there is a set criteria for eligibility of the payment support scheme so, if anyone's not sure if they qualify, they should get in touch with our friendly team and we can quickly let them know.

"There is a limited window for applying so people should apply as soon as possible, so they don't miss out".

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