Self-isolation support payments

From today (Monday 12 October), anyone in employment, or self-employed, who gets one of the low-income benefits listed below will be able to claim a £500 self-isolation support payment from the Scottish Welfare Fund, if they are asked to self-isolate by the Test and Protect service.

To qualify for the payment, you must be unable to work from home during the 14-day self-isolation period, and expect to lose earnings as a result of self-isolating.

You should apply immediately when you are asked to self-isolate, as we must receive your completed application before the end of the 14-day self-isolation period. It is not possible to backdate awards if we receive an application after the self-isolation period ends.

For more information, and to apply, visit our Scottish Welfare Fund webpage at https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/scottish-welfare-fund.htm

The qualifying low-income benefits are:

• Universal Credit.
• Working Tax Credit.
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance.
• Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
• Income Support.
• Housing Benefit.
• Pension Credit.