Please note that we are experiencing an unprecedented demand for Self Isolation Support Grants. If you have made your application within the past 10 working days there is no need to contact us, we will be processing your application and will contact you directly. Thank you for your patience and we will get back to you as quickly as possible
What is a Self-isolation Grant
The Scottish Government has committed to providing a Self-Isolation Support Grant (SISG) to workers who earn less than the Real Living Wage or are in receipt of a low income benefit, and who will experience reduced earnings as a result of them, their child or the person they are caring for being advised to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID- 19. This will support people who would otherwise struggle to be able to afford to comply with the requirement to self-isolate or stay at home. It will provide them with the financial support they need to meet their basic needs during the period in which they are unable to work.
These payments are designed to help ensure workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 through a PCR test, and their close contacts when needed, stay at home to stop the onward spread of the virus. They are also designed to encourage individuals who are eligible for this payment to get tested if they have symptoms. This is important to help stop the transmission of COVID-19 and avoid further economic and societal restrictions.
Eligibility for the scheme was changed further on 1 May 2022 to enable individuals who have had a positive PCR test to be eligible when advised by Test and Protect to stay at home.
For the period from 1 May 2022, applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will receive an award of £225. The maximum number of awards that can be made in a rolling 12 month period is restricted to 3 successful awards.
Eligibility for a Self-Isolation Support Grant
Eligibility for a SISG is restricted to people who are in one of the following categories:
- Have from 1 May 2022 have been advised by the Test and Protect Service to stay at home as a result of COVID-19, because they have tested positive for coronavirus
- are the identified appropriate parent or primary carer of a child under 16 who has a positive PCR test for coronavirus
- are the identified appropriate carer of a person over 16 who has a positive PCR test for coronavirus
In addition, prior to the self-isolation period or period they are advised to stay at home, they must meet the following criteria:
- are employed or self-employed; and
- are unable to work from home and will experience reduced earnings as a result; and
- are assessed as having a low income, either:
- their household is currently receiving, or has been awarded but not yet received a payment of the following benefits, or whose income is such that they would ordinarily be entitled to Universal Credit should an application have been made prior to their isolation:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit and/or
- Means-tested Council Tax Reduction; or
- are an individual who earns less than the Real Living Wage threshold as detailed in the Ready Reckoner table provided by the Scottish Government for this purpose; or
- their household income is such that it falls within the agreed definition of ‘low income’ for this purpose for their household type in their local authority area, being 25% above the UC level, and including the temporary coronavirus £20 per week increase in the UC Standard Allowance.
You can check if your eligibility for a Grant on the mygov.scot website [opens in a new window].
Evidence requirements
You will need to provide the following evidence to prove you are eligible.
- proof that you have tested positive for COVID-19 through a PCR test
- proof that you are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits
- a recent bank statement
- proof of employment or self-employment and that you cannot work from home
- proof that your earned income will reduce as a result of having to stay at home.
Testing arrangements from 1 May
Applicants who wish to apply for the SISG are required to return a positive PCR result.
If you have taken a lateral flow test and is positive and you are on a low income, please go to the eligibility checker on the mygov.scot website [opens in a new window] and follow the steps there to arrange a PCR test.
A decision maker will contact the applicant for more information, check with third parties including the NHS Test & Protect or employers (subject to the applicant’s agreement). The council cannot process your application unless you agree for Test and Protect to share these details.
If you have any questions or want to provide additional information after you submit your application, please contact the Scottish Welfare Fund Team on 0300 123 4510 or e-mail scottish.welfare@eastdunbarton.gov.uk