Shotley Peninsula residents on low-incomes and unable to work because they have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, can now claim a £500 payment to compensate for loss of earnings.

As part of a nationwide Government scheme, residents in Babergh who are on low incomes and are unable to work because they have been told by NHS Test and Trace that they have to self-isolate can now apply for a lump sum payment from their local councils.

Money will be paid into their accounts within days of their applications being verified, to relieve immediate financial hardship.

People who receive notification from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate because they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, will be entitled to a £500 support payment if they meet all of the following requirements:

They comply with the NHS Test and Trace notification to self-isolate

are employed or self-employed

are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result

AND in receipt of one of the following benefits:

Universal Credit

Working Tax Credit

Income-based Employment and Support Allowance

Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance

Income Support

Housing Benefit

Pension Credit

Discretionary payments may also be available in exceptional circumstances to individuals who meet the main qualifying criteria (i.e. low-income and unable to work because they are self-isolating) but are not in receipt of qualifying benefits and are facing severe financial hardship.

The scheme is being administered on behalf of all three local authorities by the Shared Revenue Partnership – with a fast and simple application form now available on the councils' websites (see below for links), together with information about how to easily provide evidence required and further details about the scheme.

Councillor John Ward, Babergh District Council leader and cabinet member for finance, said: "We are delighted to have got this new scheme in place to support our residents so quickly. We understand the financial strain that this virus is causing for many families and individuals and the stark choices they are having to make. We are here to support them..

"I hope this will provide some reassurance for anyone worried about being self-isolated due to loss of income and helps them and others safe, while still being able to pay the bills. It's quick and easy to apply and we urge anyone in need to contact us without delay."

To apply and find out more: Babergh residents: Babergh money and benefits advice.

Claims must be made within 14 days of a period of self-isolation ending. Individuals eligible on or after Monday 28 September will be able to make a backdated claim. Payments will start from Monday 12 October.

Residents are also reminded of the launch of the Suffolk Support and Advice Service earlier this month to help people access information or support relating to debt, benefits, housing or employment.

Citizens Advice Suffolk Alliance, which includes the eight Citizens Advice Bureaus across Suffolk, and Anglia Care Trust and Ipswich Housing Action Group are delivering advice and support to people through a single phone line.

The phoneline is funded by Suffolk Public Sector Leaders and has been developed by Suffolk-wide partners on the Collaborative Communities Covid-19 Board, which is part of the Suffolk Resilience Forum.

People can contact the Suffolk Support and Advice Service on 0800 068 3131 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or go to: the website.