All the financial support you can get due to Covid including £500 payment and sick pay explained
BRITS who are self-isolating after catching coronavirus can apply for financial support.
Covid restrictions have been ramped up as the new Omicron strain of Covid spreads across the country.
The latest data shows that daily Covid cases have hit more than 100,000, and infections are up 53% on last week, scuppering Christmas plans for many families.
The stay at home order was scrapped for vaccinated people who were contacts of confirmed Covid cases when lockdown lifted earlier this year.
But now, even those who have been double or triple-jabbed will have to self-isolate if they've come into contact with someone with Omicron.
Covid rules were tightened earlier this month as the government triggered "Plan B"; in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.
Face masks are compulsory indoors, vaccine passports are required for large events and people have been told to resume working from home.
No further restrictions are expected before Christmas but there could be a two-week circuit breaker after December 25.
People who have Covid or any of the main symptoms are still required to stay home.
If you're asked to self-isolate you won't be able to leave your home for any reason for up to 10 days.
The evidence you need could vary depending on which council you'll applying to.
But it might help to have certain documents to hand to make the application process smoother.
That includes:
- a payslip if you’re employed, or evidence of your Self Assessment tax returns if you’re self-employed
- a bank statement
- your NHS Test and Trace account ID, or evidence your child has been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
What other support is available?
Most Covid-specific support, such as furlough, have already ended, meaning there's not as much financial help available as there was earlier in the pandemic.
However there are some schemes that you might be able to apply for if you're worried about your finances while self-isolating.
Statutory sick pay (SSP)
You can get statutory sick pay from your employer if you have to self-isolate.
You'll get £96.35 per week under the scheme, which is not available to those who only have to stay home because they're self-isolating after a holiday abroad.
You must self-isolate for at least 4 days to be eligible for SSP.
SSP is paid by your employer in the same way as your normal wages, for example in your weekly or monthly pay packet.
The rules have changed since Omicron started spreading across the UK.
Now, anyone who's unwell and needs a sick note to get pay or benefits will not have to show one until 28 days after they fall ill.
Usually you don't need to show a sick note for the first seven days, and then after that you need proof of your illness to get statutory sick pay.
The government announced this week that it will fund sick pay for hospitality workers to take the burden off struggling businesses.
New style employment and support allowance
You can apply for ‘new style’ employment and support allowance (ESA) if you’re under State Pension age and you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
This includes having to self-isolate due to coronavirus.
How much you get will depend on multiple factors including your income, your partner's income and whether you have children.
A couple living together without kids will get a standard allowance of £509.91 a month.
Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is a £500million pot of cash spread across different councils in the country.
Local authorities can use the money to help families in their area.
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What support is available varies between councils, so you'll need to check with your local council what help is available in the region you live in.
For example, those living in Cambridgeshire could get a £30 supermarket voucher in time for the Christmas holidays.
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