By KLTV Newsdesk
Kirklees Council announced today a new scheme to support people who need to self-isolate because of COVID-19.
Anyone who is unable to do their job and is in receipt of certain benefits is now able to claim £500 to support them during their isolation.
The scheme is open to people who are employed or self-employed and are unable to work from home.
To claim the support, Kirklees residents will also have to be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.
The scheme, which is now in force, is for anyone who has been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace on or after 28 September 2020. Residents just need to log on to the council’s website to make their claim. The scheme is due to run until the end of January 2021.
Anyone who meets the criteria and who has been told to self-isolate from 28 September can register at the Kirklees Council website or call 0800 456 1114 to see if they are eligible for financial support.
Commenting on the new scheme, Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council said: “I’ve been calling for more financial support to people who need to self-isolate. So I’m pleased that the government has now agreed to help us set up this new scheme.
“If we are going to get control of the virus, we need to isolate it. This payment will help people across Kirklees to do the right thing when they are asked to self-isolate and help us stop the spread.”
Cllr Pandor emphasised that it’s important that who has the virus should stay away from work and anyone they don’t live with for as long as the NHS tells them.
He added: “That’s why we are trying to make it as quick and easy as possible for people to claim support to see them through self-isolation. So if you can’t do your job due to self-isolation and are in receipt of benefits, make sure you log on to our website or call the helpline.
“Self-isolation is a crucial part of our fight against COVID-19. But everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread. We all need to keep social distancing, washing our hands, wearing a face covering and avoiding crowds. If we can do all those things, we will bring infections down and save lives.”