Test and Trace Support Payments

You might be able to get a payment of £500 if either:

• you have been told to self-isolate because of coronavirus (COVID-19) and you cannot work from home
• you’re the parent or guardian of a child who has been told to self-isolate and you need to take time off to look after them

You must be employed or self-employed to get the payment.

Check if you are eligible to apply

Check if you are eligible to apply on GOV.UK. 

Payment details

The payment is:

• £500
• subject to income tax
• not subject to National Insurance contributions

When to apply

You must apply no later than 42 days after the first day of your self-isolation period.

If you are overdrawn

If your bank account is overdrawn you have a right to ask that the £500 is used to pay your bills rather than your overdraft. This is called exercising your first right of appropriation.

If you want to do this you must tell your bank 7 days before the bill is due and you must give them specific details of what should be paid. You can get more information and download a template letter from the National Debtline website.

Appeals

Please note that there is no right of appeal. If you are not awarded payment it is because you do not meet the criteria.

Fraud

We have the right to recover costs from people who claim the payment fraudulently.

You may face prosecution if you provide any false details in your application.

More information

For more information, read:

• Test and Trace Support Scheme policy documents
• self-isolation payment privacy policy on GOV.UK