While many people may be aware of the self-isolation grant – which came into effect on September 28 for those told to stay home by Test and Trace – what they don’t know is that it can be claimed more than once. Millions of people could be missing out on £500 payments as part of new self-isolation rules, a consumer expert has warned.

Money expert Martin Lewis said many Brits are unaware that they could get state support if they’re asked to self-isolate under the new Track and Trace system.

In his weekly MoneySavingExpert.com newsletter, Lewis explained that if you receive certain means-tested benefits and you have to self-isolate, but are unable to work from home, you could be entitled to a cash payment.

The new self-isolation grant came into effect on earlier this month, as emergency laws came into force for those asked to stay at home by Test and Trace.

However, what many people don’t know that it can be claimed multiple times.

Isolation periods are 10 days if you have tested positive for coronavirus and 14 days if someone in your household has tested positive.

Four million people on Universal Credit or other benefits may be eligible for the payment, however, you can only claim and backdate it once local authorities have set up their systems.