New payment for Oldhamers on low incomes who are self-isolating, the government has announced

People on low incomes living in Oldham who need to self-isolate and are unable to work from home will benefit from a new payment scheme starting on Tuesday 1 September, the Health Secretary has announced today.

The scheme is designed to support you if you cannot work from home while self-isolating, either after testing positive, or coming into contact with someone who has.

How much is the payment?

If you are eligible for the payment and test positive with the virus, you will receive £130 for your 10-day period of self-isolation. Other members of your household, who have to self-isolate for 14 days, will be entitled to a payment of £182.

If you are advised by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate, you will also be entitled to a payment of up to £182, for however long you must self isolate.

How can I claim the payment?

The payment is available to people currently receiving either Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit. You will also need to provide evidence that you are eligible for it. You’ll be asked to produce a notification from NHS Test and Trace, and a bank statement. Local authorities can also check the Test and Trace system to confirm if you have been asked to self-isolate. When you have provided the evidence needed,  your payment will be made within 48 hours.

How we can help you

Our Income Collection and Community Impact Teams are here to support you through the application process for this payment. Call our Income Collection team on 0161 393 5353 or email fit@fcho.co.uk.

To reach our Community Impact Team, call our Contact Centre on 0161 393 7117 or email servicecentre@fcho.co.uk, and you will be put through to them.

Find out more

This new scheme is being trialled here in Oldham, as well as in Blackburn with Darwen to ensure the process works. If it is successful, the scheme is expected to be rolled out in other areas of high infection rates.

Further information is available at gov.uk.