MSP urges residents to apply for the new £500 grant

The new Self-Isolation Support Grant will help people who would lose income if they required to self-isolate, such as those people who are unable to work from home for whatever reason.

This grant is specifically designed for those who will face financial hardship due to being asked to self-isolate and will be targeted at people who are in receipt of Universal Credit or legacy benefits.

The government has stated that they will allow some discretion when considering awards to others who are also in financial hardship.

Applications for the Self-Isolation Support Grant opened on October 12 and will be delivered through the existing Scottish Welfare Fund, which is administered by local authorities across Scotland.

Commenting, Alasdair said: “We know that self-isolation can be tough, but it is essential to help protect people and reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“To ensure people do not experience financial hardship as a result of doing the right thing, the Scottish Government has introduced this new £500 grant for people on low incomes who have been asked to self-isolate.

“These payments will help ensure islanders do not have to make a choice between self-isolating and supporting themselves and their families financially.

“Applications for this new benefit are now open, and I would urge anyone resident in the Western Isles who is facing a loss of income due to self-isolating as a result of Covid-19 to apply for it.”