The government has announced financial support for workers asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

A £500 payment may be paid if you test positive for Coronavirus and have to self-isolate, or if you have had close contact with someone who has been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

Applicants must also receive any of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Based Employment Support Allowance, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit.

These payments are designed to help ensure people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and their close contacts self-isolate for the required period. They are also designed to encourage people who are eligible for this payment to get tested if they have symptoms.

The payment will be administered locally by Herefordshire Council. If you meet all the criteria, are on a low income and will face financial hardship as a result of not being able to work due to self-isolating but you are not in receipt of a qualifying benefit, then you may be eligible for a discretionary payment.

To apply for the payment visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/isolationpayment