England and Scotland
The £500 Self Isolation Payment is available in England and Scotland for anyone told to self isolate after 28 September 2020.
Wales
It is available in Wales for anyone instructed to self isolate on or after 23 October 2020.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's scheme is different. You can find details on the Northern Ireland scheme on the NI Direct website.
Eligibility rules
To be eligible for a £500 Self Isolation Payment, you have to be
Self isolating
You can only get a Self Isolation Payment if you are self isolating because NHS Test and Trace (England) or Test and Protect (Scotland) or Test, Trace Protect (Wales) has told you that you must self isolate.
If you live in Scotland or Wales and have to take time off work to care for a child under 16 who has to self isolate, you can get a Self Isolation Payment.
You cannot get it if you are quarantining after returning from abroad, if you are shielding or if you are self isolating for any other reason.
In work
You can only get a Self Isolation Payment if you are employed or self employed, and are unable to work from home, and so will lose income.
There are no minimum hours you have to work.
You can get a Self Isolation Payment and Statutory Sick Pay at the same time.
In receipt of benefits
You can only get a Self Isolation Payment if your household is getting one of these benefits:
If you aren't getting any of these benefits, use our Benefits Calculator to check whether you're entitled any extra help.
If you aren't getting any of these benefits, you may still be able to get a discretionary grant. Contact your council to find out about their discretionary scheme.
Updated: 14 December 2020