Self-isolation support payment increased to £750

Following changes to the policy on self-isolation, the Welsh Government’s self-isolation support scheme will increase from £500 to £750.

The increase in the payment, will come into effect from the 7 August and will be reviewed by Ministers in three months. The payment is designed to breakdown some of the financial barriers faced by people who are told to isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect (TTP) service because they have tested positive, have symptoms of coronavirus or are a close contact who is not fully vaccinated.

The payment scheme, which has been extended until March 2022, helps support those who cannot work from home as well as parents and carers with children who have tested positive and are self-isolating.

The discretionary element supports people who are not on benefits but who meet the other criteria and are at risk of financial hardship. Since its launch the discretionary element has evolved to include those earning up to £500 a week. The increase in payment intends to compensate anyone earning up to the personal income threshold with their loss of earnings over the ten day isolation period.

We are committed to continuing support for those who need it as we move out of the pandemic. These payments are vital and the increase to £750 will provide further reassurance to anyone who has been told to isolate by TTP but may experience financial hardship as a result of having to stay at home.

Further advice has been given to local authorities on how they can provide practical help and support to applicants as they apply for the payment. Bridgend County Borough Council Leader Huw David said: “Bridgend County Borough Council Leader Huw David said: “We welcome this enhancement to the financial support which will ensure that those on lower incomes do not suffer financially as a result of self-isolation.

Vaccines are our best way out of this pandemic. We urge anyone who is yet to have their first vaccination to take up the vaccination offer as soon as possible. Any adults who have not yet received the vaccine can still make use of the ‘walk-in’ appointments. These offer anyone who declined or missed their original appointment a fresh opportunity.

Rebecca Evans, the Minister for Finance and Local Government

More information on eligibility and how to apply for the Self-isolation Support Scheme can be found on the Bridgend County Borough Council website.