Leader of the Council welcomes announcement on extension of Self-Isolation Support Grant

The Scottish Government this week announced that from 7 December 2020, the £500 Self-Isolation Support Grant will be extended to include parents on low incomes whose children are asked to self-isolate and to those who may be eligible for Universal Credit but have not yet applied.

Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson said: “I am pleased to hear the announcement from the Government that the Covid-19 Self-Isolation Support Grant will allow more people the ability to claim for this much needed support. 

“We urged Scottish Ministers to extend this grant as we heard increasing calls from parents in Highland who were struggling when their child/ren have been advised to self-isolate. We are fortunate in Highland that we are seeing a low number of cases across the region. However, Covid-19 still exists in our communities and we need to continue to support those who are following Public Health advice to protect fellow members of our community.

“I am sure this announcement will help to relieve some of the stress and financial concerns that self-isolation can create. This will also provide reassurance to other parents in our communities that they may now be eligible for support if their child/ren are advised to self-isolate in the future.”

If you have been asked by NHS Test and Protect Service to self-isolate, either because you have tested positive for Covid-19 or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you may be entitled to a £500 Self-Isolation Support Grant.

Applications can be made each time you or anyone within your household have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Protect Service. People in the same household can each make an individual application to receive the payment, if they each meet the eligible criteria and will experience a loss of income because you can’t work from home.

The new changes will come into effect on 7 December 2020.

If you need support to claim, the Council’s Welfare Support Team will fill in the application form on your behalf and can be contacted by phoning 0800 090 1004.   You can find out more about the grant on our website.

3 Dec 2020