Self Isolation Support Grants

From 12 October the Scottish Welfare Fund will be administering the Scottish Government Self Isolation Support Grants.

The purpose of the grant is to assist people in receipt of low incomes to self-isolate to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This should support people to be able to afford to comply with the Test & Protect Service's requirement for them to self-isolate during the 10 day period.

You may be eligible for a £500 payment if meet the following criteria:

Have been contacted and required by the Test and Protect Service to self-isolate (or equivalent service from elsewhere in the UK); or
have been notified by the Protect Scotland app (or equivalent app) to self-isolate and this requirement can be individually verified; or
you have been identified as the parent or primary carer of a child under 16 who has been required by the Test and Protect Service (or equivalent service from elsewhere in the UK) or the child school have given you notification to self-isolate.

In addition, you must

be employed or self-employed; and unable to work from home whilst self isolating; and
will experience loss of income as a result of self-isolating; and
are in receipt of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income related Employment Support Allowance, Income based Job Seekers Allowance or Pension credit OR You have been awarded but not yet received a payment of universal credit, OR You think you may be eligible for universal credit based on your earnings prior to your isolation period.

Grants are paid per eligible person, not per household, therefore a couple who both meet the eligibility criteria for a grant will be paid £500 each, however only one claim per household can be made where a parent or primary carer is looking after a child under 16 who is required to isolate.

You will need to provide evidence as part of your application to verify your application

Evidence requirements

Evidence that the Test & Protect Service has requested that you self-isolate,
Proof that you are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits,
A bank statement,
Proof of employment/self-employment and that you cannot undertake your job/run your business without social contact or from home.
Proof that your pay/income will reduce as a result of having to self-isolate.

Apply for the self isolation support grant

I’m self-isolating after returning to the UK after being abroad, can I apply?

No, you are not eligible under this scheme. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to meet your daily living expenses, you may be entitled to a Crisis Grant. Apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund or find out more.

I am self isolating because I have symptoms but I haven't been tested, can I apply?

No, part of the criteria for the grant is that you have been asked to self-isolate at the request of NHS Test & Protect, on or after 28th September. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to meet your daily living expenses, you may be entitled to a Crisis Grant. Apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund or find out more.

Can I apply if I had to self isolate before 28 September?

No, if the Test & Protect Service requested that you self-isolate prior to 28th September you are not eligible. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to meet your daily living expenses, you may be entitled to a Crisis Grant. Apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund or find out more.

How long will it take to process my application?

Decisions will be made within 3 working days.

When do applications open?

Applications will be open from on 12th October.

How long do I get to apply?

Applications can be made at any point during the 10 calendar day period of self-isolation which commences on the date on which you were requested to self-isolate. Those who have been asked to self-isolate on or after 28 September but before 12 October will have 14 days from 12 October to make an application.

I’m not eligible, what other support is available to me?

If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to meet your daily living expenses, you may be entitled to a Crisis Grant. Apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund or find out more.

I’ve been asked to self isolate for the second time, I’ve already made one claim, can I apply again?

Individuals can claim more than once as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each individual claim, including being asked by Test and Protect to self-isolate each time.

I am currently furloughed under the existing Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, can I still make a claim for a self isolation support grant?

Yes, as long as you meet all of the other eligibility requirements for the Self-Isolation Support Grant Scheme.

I am on sick leave from my work only receiving Statutory Sick Pay am I eligible for the self isolation support grant?

Yes, as long as you meet all of the other eligibility requirements for the Self-Isolation Support Grant Scheme.

Is this payment taxable?  

Yes the payment will be subject to income tax. It will not be subject to National Insurance contributions.  

What happens if I’m self-employed? 

The payment will be a coronavirus support payment and therefore a revenue receipt of your business, contributing towards your profits. The payment will need to be included on your Self Assessment Tax Return along with any other coronavirus support payments you may have received. 

What happens if I’m employed?

There is nothing you need to do. If your income for the year is not more than £12,500, you will not have any tax to pay. If tax is due, HMRC will automatically recover it from your pay through a change in your tax code. HMRC will send you a new tax code notice.  Contact HMRC for more information.

Can I receive the payment whilst in receipt of Statutory Sick Pay? 

Claimants can claim Statutory Sick Pay as well as a Test and Trace Support Payment, but not contractual sick pay from their employer. Employers can claim Statutory Sick Pay Reimbursement for those self-isolating. 

Does the payment impact existing benefit entitlements?

No, the payment does not affect existing entitlements to Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit. The payment will also be disregarded as income for the purposes of tax credits.

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