Over £150k in isolation payments made in Ipswich
The support payments are part of a Government-funded scheme.
Over £150,000 has been paid out in Ipswich to residents who weren't able to work due to having to self-isolate during the pandemic.
The Borough Council says it's paid out more than £150k in Test and Trace Support Payments since September 2020.
The Government-funded scheme, which closes on the 30th September 2021, offers £500 grant payments to people who are unable to work due to being told to self-isolate by the NHS.
As of Monday 16th August, those who are double-jabbed or under 18, aren't legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
The changes in isolation rules, also affected the criteria for people eligible for these payments.
Residents will now be eligible if:
- They have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, or the NHS Covid-19 app because they have tested positive for Covid-19
OR
- Have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS Covid-19 app because they have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, and are not fully vaccinated
AND
- Have responded to NHS Test and Trace and provided any legally required information, such as details of their close contacts
- Are employed or self-employed
- Are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result of self-isolating
- Are currently receiving, or are the partner in the same household as someone who is receiving, at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit.
Parents and guardians of young people who meet the main qualifying criteria above and the following requirements will still be eligible regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated or not if they have to stay at home and look after their child and are unable to work from home.
To be eligible their child must be:
- Aged 15 and under, or 16-25 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan and have tested positive for COVID-19
OR
- Aged 18-25 with an EHC plan, not be fully vaccinated and have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council’s portfolio holder for communities said: “These are challenging times and we are pleased that we have been able to support those who have, and continue to, face financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
"Despite falling cases, the need to self-isolate when notified is still vital in protecting the most vulnerable people in our community and we hope that this scheme reassures residents in need that they will be supported while they do their bit.”