More than 100 people receive £500 self-isolation payments in Harrogate
They're being paid out to low-income workers.
Last updated 7th Dec 2020
More than 100 people in Harrogate have received £500 "self-isolation" payments in Harrogate.
Almost £60,000 has been paid out to low-income workers in the district - who have been told to quarantine by the NHS Test and Trace scheme.
The £500 one-off payments are being made by the government to compensate for any loss of earnings for low-income workers who have to self-isolate.
There were warnings that thousands of people in some coronavirus hotspots in England were being excluded from the scheme as councils reported running out of cash and loopholes leaving families ineligible.
However, Harrogate Borough Council - which is distributing the money on behalf of the government - said this has not been an issue in the district.
It has handed out £58,000 to 116 applicants, although 101 were rejected because they did not have a valid Test and Trace reference number or were not on one of the required benefits.
The scheme launched on September 1 but only those on Universal Credit or working tax credits were initially eligible for payments.
It was then extended to include people who claim income related employment and support allowance (ESA), jobseekers allowance (JSA), income support, savings pension credit or housing benefit.
Harrogate Borough Council has set up a dedicated claims page on its website with information on eligibility and how to apply.