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The Welsh Government has announced it will be increasing the payments from its self-isolation support scheme from £500 to £750.
The self-isolation support scheme started in November last year to support those who cannot work form home, as well as parents or carers on low incomes whose children are forced to self-isolate.
The increase will come into effect from Saturday, August 7 – coinciding with changes to the self-isolation rules in Wales.
From Saturday, people who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine won’t need to self-isolate if they come in contact with a coronavirus case.
The payment increase will be reviewed by Welsh Government ministers in three months time.
Last month, the scheme was extended until March 2022.
In total, more than 14,500 payments have been made in Wales.
The Welsh Government’s Minister for Finance and Local Government, Rebecca Evans, said: “We are committed to continuing support for those who need it as we move out of the pandemic.
“These payments are vital and the increase to £750 will provide further reassurance to anyone who has been told to isolate by Test Trace Protect but may experience financial hardship as a result of having to stay at home.”
Ms Evans added: “Local Authorities have risen to the challenge of ensuring that financial payments are made quickly to people who need them. Further advice has been given to local authorities on how they can provide practical help and support to applicants as they apply for the payment.”
Wales’ Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, said: “It’s so important that people self-isolate if they test positive for Covid-19, or are a close contact who is not fully vaccinated, to stop the spread of the virus and protect family and friends.
“Our Test Trace Protect service is extremely effective at supporting people and providing advice for those who have tested positive for the virus. It’s important we continue to invest to provide support to those who need it the most.”
She added: “Vaccines are our best way out of the pandemic. We have a world-leading vaccination programme and I encourage anyone who is not vaccinated to take up the vaccine offer.”
Plaid Cymru’s health spokesperson, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said the increase was a “welcome yet extremely overdue move”.
To apply for the payment or for more information, visit obv.sr/sisp
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