Extension to Self-Isolation Support Grant welcomed by MSP
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Plans for the Self-Isolation Support Grant to be extended to parents on low incomes if they have a child who is asked to self-isolate have been welcomed by Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin.
The grant will also become available to those who may be eligible for Universal Credit, but have not yet applied.
Both changes will be introduced from Monday, December 7.
Ms Martin said: “This is an important step by the Scottish Government and I hope it provides some relief for parents who may have children required to self-isolate.
“Self-isolation can be difficult for everyone, but it is often made harder when there are financial barriers in addition for many people.
“Extending the payment to parents of children aged under 16 who need to take time off work because their child is told to self-isolate, and also to people who are eligible for Universal Credit, but have not claimed, is very welcome.
“Supporting people to self-isolate is critical to controlling the spread of the virus.”
The Self-Isolation Support Grant provides £500 for low income workers who are in receipt of Universal Credit or other benefits and will lose earnings as a result of having to self-isolate.
Parents or carers of children under 16 who are asked to self-isolate, but who are not required to self-isolate themselves, are not currently eligible for the grant.
This is why the grant will be extended to those parents and carers, where they fulfil the other eligibility criteria of being employed or self-employed and unable to work from home; in receipt of Universal Credit or one of the benefits which will be replaced by it; and facing a loss of income from looking after their child during the period of self-isolation
Only one claim per household can be made, where a parent or primary carer is required to look after a child who must isolate.
Eligibility will also be extended to people with a low level of income which means they would be entitled to Universal Credit.
Related story: Self-Isolation Support Grant will be extended
