Council expands eligibility criteria for Covid Test and Trace Support Payment

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 or has been identified as a contact by NHS Test and Trace must self-isolate by law

Rochdale Borough Council has changed the criteria for its Covid-19 Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment, meaning more residents will qualify for financial help if they are required to self-isolate.

From this month the household income criteria has changed and applicants no longer need to have rent or mortgage costs to claim the £500 financial support if they have been told to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and cannot work from home.

The low income threshold has increased from ‘less than £1,116.66’ per month to ‘less than £1,366.67’ per month for single adults without dependent children and from ‘less than £1,666.66’ per month to ‘less than £1,916.67’ for couples and single parents.

In addition, grown up children who live with their families now also qualify for the support.

The payment is available to residents on low incomes who are required to self-isolate. The Test and Trace Support Payment, introduced last year, is for people who are unable to work from home, would lose pay and are told to self-isolate by the NHS. 

Since last October the council has approved over 1,264 claims, with more than £632,000 paid to support people while self-isolating and help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Council leader Allen Brett said the council will continue to do its best to help: “These improvements to our Test and Trace Support Scheme are welcome news as they enable even more residents to qualify for the support, so they can do the right thing – stay at home and self-isolate. I do see light at the end of the tunnel now but we will only be able to reach it if we continue to follow the measures and isolate if told to do so. And please contact us if you need assistance, whether it’s financial help or something more practical.”

To check your eligibility and apply for the council’s improved discretionary payment, the existing Test and Trace Support Payment or other support visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/TestAndTracePayment

If you are unable to apply online or need help applying, phone 0300 303 8870.

In addition, the council’s early help teams are still supporting families with food clubs (discounted and free schemes for qualifying families) child development and health advice, mental health support, advice on healthy relationships, support with financial issues, support for children with disabilities, behavioural issues, bereavement, or if you’re worried about a child. Find out more at www.rochdale.gov.uk/coronavirus or phone 0300 303 8801.