Scotland and £500 government grant for self-isolation - does it apply here?

Boris Johnson has announced help for people on lower incomes who face a loss of earnings if they are forced to self-isolate.

Those finding themselves in this situation will be able to apply for a one-off support payment of £500 to help them cope financially.

The scheme - which is to be launched next month - has only been confirmed for UK residents living in England.

However, UK government sources have confirmed that the Barnett Formula will provide Scotland with its share of the funding.

It will then be up to Nicola Sturgeon's Government to decide whether implement the £500 policy for Scotland.

In a BBC interview this morning, Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman backed the scheme in principle.

Are Scots eligible?

It is up to Nicola Sturgeon's government to confirm what funding will be used for (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

 

The Scottish Government is set to receive its share of UK funding to give £500 to those on lower incomes having to self-isolate.

Once funding has been received, it is then up to Nicola Sturgeon's government to confirm what it will be used for.

That decision should be made in time for the scheme launching next month.

Who will be able to apply if Scottish Government gives go ahead?

Grounds for eligibility are likely to be the same as in England once a decision has been made.

There, you have to fulfil all four of these criteria to receive the payment:

• You are currently receiving Universal Credit,  Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit
• You are employed or self-employed
• You are unable to work from home  and will lose income as a result
• You have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace  - either for 10 days because you've tested positive, or for 14 days because  they've tested positive or are the close contact of a positive case.

How do I apply?

The Scottish government will confirm who will be administering the process once a decision has been made (Getty)

 

In England the scheme is being administered through local councils. The Scottish government will confirm who will be administering the process here once they've decided whether to implement the scheme.

The UK government says claimants need to show four pieces of evidence when they apply:

• A notification from Test and Trace  asking you to self-isolate (including a Unique ID number)
• A bank statement

• Proof of employment
• Confirmation from your employer that you are unable to work from home  - or if you are self-employed, evidence of self-assessment returns for example.