Julie James MS, Minister for Housing and Local Government
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Welsh Government launched the £500 payment scheme in November 2020 to support people who have been asked to self-isolate by the Test, Trace, Protect service. Following our most recent review, I want to update you on how we are expanding and extending the scheme so more people are eligible for this crucial financial support.
Since launch I have already extended eligibility to include parents and carers of children who have been asked to self-isolate and those who have been asked to self-isolate through the NHS COVID-19 App. Our most recent review has identified a number of groups that currently fall outside the scheme and need our support. From today we are updating the scheme to include those who have been asked to self-isolate and are unable to work from home and are:
- In receipt of Statutory Sick Pay or New Style Employment and Support Allowance or less; and/or
- In receipt of £500 NET personal income a week or less.
These changes mean that a further 170,000 will now be eligible for the £500 payment if they have been asked to self-isolate.
I am also announcing that we will extend the scheme until June 2021 with an option to extend until October 2021 following a further review. To make sure people are aware of the support available, we are launching a targeted communications campaign to clarify eligibility and raise awareness with target groups.
I will continue to keep the scheme under review to ensure those most in need receive the support required to self-isolate and reduce transmission.