PEOPLE who are receiving certain benefits, are unable to work from home and who are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, can now apply for a £500 government Test and Trace Support Payment.

The application form is available on the Cornwall Council website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/testandtracesupport and applications can be backdated to September 28 2020. Anyone who can’t apply online should call us on 0300 1234 121 (option 5).

Residents are entitled to a government funded Test and Trace Support Payment of £500 when they have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because they’ve tested positive for coronavirus, or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

Applicants must be employed or self-employed, unable to work from home and confirm that they will lose income as a result of having to self-isolate, as well as being in receipt of one of a list of certain benefits.

The government has said that the scheme will last until January 31 2021.