Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the eligibility criteria are for local authorities' discretionary hardship payments under the NHS Test and Trace support scheme.

From 19 January 2021, an individual can make a claim for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme or a discretionary payment up to 28 days after the first day of their self-isolation period. If they are not eligible for the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment but meet the other criteria, are on a low income and will face financial hardship as a result of self-isolating, they could be eligible for a £500 discretionary payment. Local authorities are responsible for the criteria used for discretionary payments in their area.