CRAVEN District Council has launched an online form for residents to claim £500 if they receive benefits and are self-isolating.

The Test and Trace Support payment is a one-off payment to allow people on lower incomes to self-isolate if they test positive for Covid-19, or are required to self-isolate due to contact with someone who has tested positive.

The regulations which state who is eligible for the payments have been drawn up by central Government.

You can apply for a payment if you are required to self-isolate and can prove that you:

* have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because you’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive – this will include a Unique ID number

* are employed or self-employed

* are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result

* are currently receiving one or more of : universal credit, working tax credit, income based employment and support allowance, income based jobseeker’s allowance, income support, housing benefit or pension credit.

Payments will only be made to people who have been asked to self-isolate on or after September 28. Those eligible for September 28 to October 11 will be able to make a claim up to October 25. The scheme will run until January 31, 2021.

Those in receipt of a Self-Isolation Payment must self-isolate according to NHS Test and Trace self-isolation requirements.

Residents can apply online for the Test and Trace Support payment at www.cravendc.gov.uk/ttsp. Those unable to complete an online form, should telephone Customer Services on 01756 700 600 and someone will complete the form for you.