Thousands of pupils across the North East have been sent home to self-isolate as a result of Covid-19 outbreaks in their schools.
This is causing a financial headache for many who are having to take time off work as a result to look after them, particularly those in low income households.
However there is some help available, says Martin Lewis.
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A message on his Twitter page said: "Spread word. Many children are being sent home by school due to someone in class / year group bubble testing +ve for Covid.
"If so, and you then can't work due to needing to be home with them, this (not just NHS test & trace) can trigger the £500 payment for those on low incomes."
Mr Lewis referred to the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment or discretionary payment.
In order to qualify, all the following must apply:
* You’re the parent or guardian of a child in your household who is self-isolating, and you need to take time off work to care for them
* Your child is aged 15 or under, or aged 25 or under with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, normally attends an education or childcare setting, and has been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or by their education or childcare setting
* You’re unable to work from home and will lose income because you have to care for your child while they are self-isolating
* You meet all the other eligibility criteria for a Test and Trace Support Payment or discretionary payment
You should also be currently receiving - or are the partner of someone in the same household who is receiving - at least one of the following benefits:
* Universal Credit
* Working Tax Credit
* Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
* Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
* Income Support
* Housing Benefit
* Pension Credit
Even if you’re not on one of these benefits, you might still be able to apply for a £500 discretionary payment.
If you meet all the other criteria listed above, are on a low income and you will face financial hardship as a result of self-isolating, you could qualify.
Your council will tell you what counts as low income and financial hardship, and whether you’re eligible.
If you think you meet the eligibility criteria for either the Test and Trace Support Payment or a discretionary payment, go to: www.gov.uk/test-and-trace-support-payment.
