Dorset residents on low incomes who are being told to self isolate but cannot work may be entitled to financial support, a council says.

People across England must stay at home by law if they test positive for Covid-19 or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace. Breaking this law could lead to a fine of between £1,000 and £10,000.

Residents who receive benefits that have been told to self-isolate but are unable to work from home are eligible for a Test and Trace Support Payment of £500.

These payments are being managed on behalf of the Government by Dorset Council.

Cllr Gary Suttle, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy, said: “We are very fortunate in Dorset that, while infection numbers have risen, they are still relatively low compared to lots of other places. It is critical that if any of us are told to self-isolate, we must do so to break the chain of transmission and protect our friends and family.

“We very much welcome this latest package of Government financial support for people who are being asked to self-isolate.”

Who is eligible?

You must be 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 and have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

How to Claim

Visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/test-and-trace-support-payment

The claim e-form goes live today and will ask people to provide:

The unique ID number from their NHS Test and Trace notification

Details of employment

A recent bank statement

National Insurance number

*For residents who may need help completing the form, they can call 01305 221000 and a member of Dorset Council’s Customer Services team will be able to fill the form in for them over the phone.