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Self-Isolation Support Grant (£250)

Check if you qualify and how to apply

Last updated
30 May 2022

You need to work and be on a low income to qualify for the Self-Isolation Support Grant. You or the person you care for must also have a positive PCR test result.

What is low income 

Low income means your individual pay is less than or close to £1771.25 per month before deductions. Or you claim one of these benefits or payments: 

  • Universal Credit 

  • Working Tax Credit 

  • Income-based Employment and Support Allowance 

  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance 

  • Income Support 

  • Housing Benefit 

  • Pension Credit 

  • Council Tax Reduction 

For this grant, low income levels are different for each council area. 

The council will also consider your own circumstances, such as if you have children or who you live with. So the income level could be higher.  

You should use the ‘Check if you qualify’ service for your individual circumstances.  

If you do not work or are not on a low income, you will not be able to book a PCR test or apply for the grant. 

You cannot apply for the grant without a positive PCR test.

How to book a PCR test and apply for the grant

You should use this service to check: 

  • low income levels for your council 

  • if you’re likely to qualify for the grant 

If you’re likely to qualify for the grant, you'll be taken to a booking form to get a PCR test, or report an existing test result.  

After you submit the PCR test booking form, it will send you an email about how to apply for the grant through your local council. 

Check if you qualify and book a PCR

The checker and booking form are not an application form. The checker service lets you check your circumstances so you know if you’re likely to qualify for the grant.

If you’re likely to qualify, we’ll tell you at the end how to book a PCR test or confirm your positive result.

Once you book a PCR test or confirm your positive result, the booking form will send you an email about how to apply for the grant through your local council.

If you are unable to use the online forms, you should call the National Contact Centre on 0800 030 8013. They will help you to check if you can apply and to book your test.

What you'll need to apply for the grant

To apply you'll need to give your local council:

  • a bank statement
  • proof of low income if you do not claim benefits
  • proof of employment or self-employment
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