From 28 September, if you are told by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate, you will be legally required to do so. If you do not, you could fined between £1,000 and 10,000. As self-isolation (for 14 days) could affect your income if you are unable to work from home, you could be entitled to  a support payment of £500.

You should be eligible for the support payment if:

• you are currently receiving benefits;
• you were in work, either employed or self-employed;
• they nature of your job meant you cannot work from home;
• You live in England.

You would not be eligible to claim the support payment if you are self-isolating as a result of previous government guidance but have not been told to do so specifically by NHS Test and Trace.

You should be apply for the support payment from your local council. The scheme should be up and running by 12 October, but if you have to self-isolate before then, you should receive backdated payments.

You will need to provide the following evidence when you apply:

• Confirmation from NHS Test and Trace that you have been told to self-isolate;
• A bank statement;
• Proof of employment;
• If you are employee, confirmation from your employer that you cannot work from home;
• If you are self-employed, you self-assessment tax returns.

It is also not clear whether you would be able to claim if you are casual worker, as opposed to being employed or self-employed, but are unable to carry out agreed work due to self-isolation.