OXFORD City Council are urging people to come forward for self-isolation payments.

The council said it is concerned that people required to self-isolate are loosing out on support they are entitled to do because they are unaware of what is available and how to qualify.

In September 2020, the government introduced Test and Trace self-isolation payments.

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These payments are to help people in low paid work who will lose income because they have been told to self-isolate.

A £500 lump-sum payment can be made by local authorities to top up any benefits or statutory sick pay a person receives during isolation.

Those who do not receive any benefits but are employed on a low income can apply for a discretionary payment if they can demonstrate the hardship they will face as a result of their isolation.

Self-isolation is vital to stopping the spread of coronavirus, particularly to vulnerable people who could become very sick if they catch it.

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As of January 17, the city council had made 563 decisions on applications received for both types of payment.

Of these, only 57 self-isolation payments were authorised and 18 discretionary awards made.

Nationally, 70 per cent of applications have been rejected.

Ineligibility and a failure to supply supporting documentation are cited as the primary reasons for applications being turned down.

This has sparked fears that people who should legally self-isolate might struggle to stay at home despite the threat of fines, which start at £1,000, for non-compliance.

Oxford City Council said it is 'committed to ensuring those not entitled to self-isolation support payments are aware of how to access further assistance to help them isolate safely'.

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