New grant for those self-isolating
Supporting people to do the right thing.
People on low incomes will be eligible to receive a new £500 grant if asked to self-isolate.
The new Self-Isolation Support Grant will help those who would lose income if they needed to self-isolate, such as those unable to carry out their work from home.
This grant is for those who will face financial hardship due to being asked to self-isolate and will be targeted at people who are in receipt of Universal Credit or legacy benefits, with some discretion to make awards to others in financial hardship.
Applications will be delivered through the existing Scottish Welfare Fund, which is administered by local authorities.
Eligibility for a Self-Isolation Support Grant is restricted to people who:
- Have been required by the Test and Protect Service to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive;
- are employed or self-employed;
- are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result; and
- are currently receiving, or has been awarded but not yet received a payment 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.
A decision maker may contact the applicant for more information, check with third parties (subject to the applicant’s agreement) such as employers.