Low-income coronavirus patients self-isolating in high-risk areas and who cannot work from home will receive a new payment, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced today.
Payments of up to £182 will be made from Tuesday to people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and their contacts.
The scheme will be trialled in parts of the North West, including Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham.
Eligible individuals who test positive for the disease will receive £130 for their 10-day period of self-isolation.
Other members of their household, who have to self-isolate for 14 days but don't necessarily have coronavirus, will be entitled to a payment of £182.
Non-household contacts advised to self-isolate through NHS Test and Trace will also be entitled to a payment of up to £182, depending on how long they quarantine.
The scheme comes after warnings people who should self-isolate may not if it meant they were unable to work and would lose pay.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The British public have already sacrificed a great deal to help slow the spread of the virus.
“Self-isolating if you have tested positive for Covid-19, or have come into contact with someone who has, remains vital to keeping on top of local outbreaks.
“This new payment scheme will help people on low incomes and who are unable to work from home to continue playing their part in the national fight against this virus.”
Payments will be provided within 48 hours of the eligible individual providing the necessary evidence.
Individuals will be asked to provide a notification from NHS Test and Trace and a bank statement.
The payment will not reduce any other benefits claimants receive.
