Example
C asked for an independent review of the council’s decision. They had applied for a Self-Isolation Support Grant as they had tested positive for COVID-19 and were required to self-isolate. As C worked in a factory, they were unable to work from home.
The council declined the initial application on the basis that C's details were not shown on the daily list that they receive from the Test and Protect Service. C requested a first tier review of the decision and provided text messages showing that they had been asked to self-isolate but the council did not change their decision.
We reviewed the council’s case file and spoke with C for further information about their employment and requested a bank statement. We also asked the council to check their systems to verify that C was in receipt of a qualifying benefit, and contacted Test and Protect who confirmed that C had been required to self-isolate. As such, we changed the council’s decision and awarded C £500. This was on the basis of new information provided by Test and Protect.