Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has urged islanders who face financial hardship due to being asked to self-isolate to apply for a £500 self-isolation grant offered by the Scottish Government.

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

This grant is 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, with some discretion to make awards to others in financial hardship.

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

Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:

“We know that self-isolation can be tough, but it is essential to 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 financially.

"Applications for this new benefit are now open, and I'd urge anyone in the Western Isles who is facing a loss of income due to self-isolating to apply for it.”

To apply for the grant in the Western Isles, visit:
www.cne-siar.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/coronavirus/self-isolation-support-grant/