SWF - Self Isolation Support Grant

Self-Isolation Support Grant criteria

The Self-Isolation Support Grant (SISG) will close on 5 January 2023. If you booked a PCR test through the SISG portal on or before this date, you can apply for the grant up to 28 days from your positive PCR test result.

If you're eligible for the grant and were unable to apply within 28 days from your positive PCR test result, your local council may be able to consider your application. This is only if you were unable to apply within the 28 days because of something that you could not control.

From 1st May, eligibility for the self-isolation support grant will change in line with updated self-isolation and testing requirements. We are ensuring people on low incomes can still receive financial support if they need to isolate, providing a transition period until June 2022.
The grant amount will be £225 from 1st May, reflecting the revised public health guidance which advises people who test positive to stay at home for five days, instead of the 10 day isolation period that was previously in place.

You can check your eligibility on the Scottish Government website.

Applications for periods of isolation prior to 1st May 2022 can now only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

You must be employed or self-employed.
 

You'll lose income because you cannot work from home.
 

Your earnings must be below the Low Income Levels set by the Scottish Government or getting one of these benefits:

• 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

Full information on the Self-Isolation Support Grant is available from the Scottish Government on their Scottish Welfare Fund and Self-Isolation Support Grant guidance page.

To apply for a Self-Isolation Support Grant, you will need to provide:

• a bank statement; and
• proof of low income if you are not in receipt of a listed benefit
• proof of employment or, if you are self-employed, evidence of self-assessment returns, trading income and proof that your business delivers services which cannot be undertaken without social contact, and
• a statement declaring that you
  • will experience reduced income during your period of self-isolation, or
  • where a child is required to isolate, confirm that you are the parent or primary carer, meet all the qualifying criteria and will experience a loss in earnings as a result of staying home to care for the child, or
  • where an adult cared for person is required to isolate, confirm that you are the primary carer, meet all the qualifying criteria and will experience a loss in earnings as a result of staying home to care for the child.

We will check that you:

• have received a positive PCR result; and 
• are in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

Self-isolation payments are taxable. If you're employed, you'll pay tax on the payment if you go over your tax-free personal allowance. Your tax code will change to collect the tax. You will not pay National Insurance contributions on the payment. If you're self-employed you must report the payment on your Self-Assessment tax return.

You can make an application here.