Test and trace payment

[Themirrorisaliar]

I tested positive for covid just over 2 weeks ago, I've now finished my isolation and am due back to work tomorrow.
On the first day of isolation I applied for the £500 payment, but still haven't heard anything back yet and was just wondering if anyone has applied and how long did it take for the payment to go through?

I earn just under £1600 per month but get paid weekly in hand, so have lost out on over 6 days pay and won't get any money at all until next week and I'm really struggling.

Have they confirmed that you qualify? I thought it was only for much lower salaries than yours

You need to be claiming specific benefits to qualify:

• you’re currently receiving or are the partner of someone in the same household who is receiving, at least one of the following benefits:

Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit
income-based Employment and Support Allowance
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income Support
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit

If you’re not on one of these benefits, you might still be able to apply for a £500 discretionary payment if all the following apply:

you meet all the other criteria listed above
you’re on a low income
you will face financial hardship as a result of self-isolating

I am in receipt of housing benefit and have an open claim for universal credit as I've only recently started this after losing my previous one due to covid.

I have heard absolutely nothing from them, I've called my local council and they can't give me an answer or put me in the right direction to speak to anyone.

I had to isolate with Dd. I applied last Monday night, so 10 days ago. They contacted my boss the same week to ask for details about pay I'd lost etc. I got confirmation that I have qualified this Monday just gone and will receive the money in the next 5 days.

It might depend on where you live and the council though

@TeamSpike I applied the Saturday before you, it must be my council. It really is ridiculous, it says that they're meant to do it within 10 days.

Mine took 2 weeks to get a decision and I was awarded a discretionary payment which then took 3 days to appear in the bank , keep checking your emails as with.mine they asked for a few things with a date deadline .

I would've thought they would've let you know either way by now

I would chase up but my council were really quick. I got £750 as the amount increased I. January

I will definitely try to chase them up again tomorrow, it's not so much if I'm not eligible I don't mind it's the not knowing if I am or not and the fact it says they will try to do it within 3 days on the gov website, but almost 2 weeks later and I still haven't heard a peep.

I also think £750 payment is only for Wales and I'm in England.

Mine came through within ten days back in January.

Keep in mind it is taxable and your tax code may change temporarily to allow them to claim it back.

I've emailed and still had no response back, my council are bad with most things 90% of the time so I'm really not surprised they're dragging their heels and not responding

Hi I'm in a similar situation to you. Was you granted this payment? Hope you don't mind me asking. I applied on 26th January heard nothing.