Residents of Barking and Dagenham who have been notified by the NHS Test and Trace service of a positive test, or have been in touch with a person tested positive for Covid-19 and are required to self-isolate and cannot work, can now apply for a self-isolation support payment of £500.
To be considered for the award, the resident must live in the borough of Barking and Dagenham, have been told to self-isolate on or after 28 September (not before), and have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace service either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
In addition, they must be employed or self-employed and be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result; be currently in receipt of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and or Pension Credit and have recourse to public funds.
Residents must meet all of the above criteria to be eligible for a payment will need to make a claim with 14 days of the last day of their self-isolation.
Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, said: “Now more than ever, we are doing everything to ensure that despite the pandemic our residents do not lose out.
“Whether its help to find work or training opportunities, to help and support with advice on coping with money worries or helping residents to claim any benefits they may be entitled to, please get in touch.”
Residents should make sure they have the following information to hand before making their application:
- national insurance number
- full name
- date or birth
- contact telephone numbers including a working mobile number
- full names, dates of birth and national insurance numbers for everyone living in their household
- current full address and postcode
- details of benefits they receive and how much they get
- employment details
- Unique ID number as provided by the NHS Test & Trace
They will also need to provide evidence of their NHS Test and Trace Notification, their bank statements and proof of employment.
To apply, residents can download and complete the application form from the council’s website at:https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/test-and-trace-self-isolation-support-payment or alternatively email benefits@lbbd.gov.uk to get one emailed to them.
Completed forms should be returned to Benefits@lbbd.gov.uk Electronic and email signatures are acceptable at this time.
Residents who require help and support completing an application form, should email visitingandwelfareemails@lbbd.gov.uk. An appointment will be made for an officer to complete the form with them by phone.