Lichfield District residents told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500, if they meet the criteria.

To support residents whose earnings are affected by staying at home, the government has set up the Test and Trace support payment scheme.

This is for anyone on a low income who is unable to work from home and will lose income by having to self-isolate.

Locally the scheme is being administered by Lichfield District Council and is running from 28 September to 31 January 2021.

Councillor Rob Strachan, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Revenues & Benefits, said: “There is now a legal duty to self-isolate if you test positive or are identified as a contact by NHS Test and Trace.

“The support payment scheme will help local people who are on low incomes who cannot work from home to make it through self-isolation.

“I would urge anyone who may be able to access the one-off payment of £500, to check their eligibility and to apply, to help them through a difficult time.”

For the full eligibility criteria and to apply for a Test and Trace payment, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/testandtracepayments.