Test and Trace Support Payments Scheme

From 11 January 2022, The Test and Trace Support Payment scheme (TTSP) is changing.

You may be entitled to a Test and Trace Support Payment of £500 if:

• you have tested positive for Covid-19 either through a PCR or assisted lateral flow device test; or
• you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and you are not exempt from self-isolation

If you have tested positive on a self-reported (home) lateral flow device test, you will not be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment unless you take a follow-up PCR test, and the result is positive.

This is for residents on lower incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result. Self-isolation is a legal duty for all those who test positive for coronavirus or are identified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact and are not exempt from self-isolation

When should I make an application?

Applications must be made

• during your period of self-isolation
• or within 42 days of the first day of your self-isolation period. Applications made after this date will not be considered. 

Please check you are eligible before making your application

You are eligible if:

• you have tested positive for coronavirus as shown above
  or
• have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive and you are not exempt from self-isolation
  and
• been told to stay at home and self-isolate

You will need the 8 character reference allocated to you by the NHS Test and Trace Service to apply for the support payment.

You may also be eligible for a payment if you are a parent or guardian of a child or young person who has tested positive or in limited circumstances, is required to self-isolate.  To find out more about this – please check the following link:  Test and Trace Support Payments – Information for parents and guardians

Since 10 December 2021 users of the NHS COVID-19 app have been able to get an 8 character Test and Trace reference if they have been notified that they need to self-isolate. More information about this is available on our Test and Trace Support scheme frequently asked questions page. 

You must be:

• employed
• or self-employed

and be unable to work from home and losing income as a result.

You will not usually qualify for a Test and Trace Support Payment if you work in a care home or provide community-based care services.  In this sector your employer should cover a loss of normal earnings through the Infection Prevention and Control Fund.  More information about this is available on our Test and Trace Support scheme frequently asked questions page.

You will also need to be receiving one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Income related Employment Support Allowance
• Working Tax Credit
• Income based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit 
• or Housing Benefit

If you are confident you are eligible and have your 8 digit Test and Trace reference number please complete the application form.

Apply for support payment

If you need more information about the scheme please see our Test and Trace support scheme questions page for further information.

Due to the current high volume of applications for these payments, processing times are longer than usual.  The team are currently aiming to process applications within 10 days of receipt. 

Test and Trace support scheme questions

If you do not receive the benefits above but you are still on low income you may be eligible for a discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment of £500.

Find out about the Discretionary Support Payment

• Read our full policy document - Test and Trace Support Payment policy
• Test and Trace Privacy Notice