Government scheme to support the self-employed is now open for claims
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Self-employed individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus are now able to apply for a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant worth 80 per cent of their average monthly trading profits.
Millions are expected to benefit from the scheme with the payments – to be paid in a single instalment covering three months and capped at £7,500 – expected to land in bank accounts within six working days of each claim.
Everyone eligible for the SEISS, which is one of the most generous support schemes announced by any government in response to coronavirus, will be able to receive the government grant by May 25, or within six days of a completed claim.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “With payments arriving before the end of this month, self-employed across the UK will have money in their pockets to help them through these challenging times.”
"People will be able to make their claim on a specified date between May 13 and 18 May, based on their Unique Tax Reference number. HMRC has assigned eligible self-employed individuals a specific date to apply on and this can be checked on HMRC’s online checker."
The SEISS is part of a comprehensive package of support for self-employed people, including Bounce Back loans, income tax deferrals, rental support, increased levels of Universal Credit, mortgage holidays and the various business support schemes the government has introduced to protect businesses during this time.
Derek Cribb, CEO of IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) said: “For the self-employed, Coronavirus is not only a health crisis, but also a pressing income crisis.
"It is therefore very welcome that the Government has managed to get this new scheme in place ahead of schedule, and that a section of the freelance community can now get the help they need early.
"We are delighted that the government has heeded much of IPSE’s advice by setting up the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, which extends a much-needed lifeline to those self-employed people who are eligible for it.”
Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The self-employment income support scheme represents a lifeline for the millions of self-employed people who are expected to qualify. I would encourage all those who think they are eligible to use the online checker if they’ve not done so yet, and to apply on the date allocated.
“We are particularly pleased to see the scheme opening earlier than scheduled, with a simple fast-track application and a promise for speedy payment. Getting the system designed and built ahead of schedule is impressive.
"Just like the Job Retention Scheme portal we hope it will cope with the high expected demand. I would like to pay tribute to the staff of HMRC for the behind the scenes work to get this scheme off the ground.”
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “The self-employed account for 40 per cent of the construction workforce so the Government’s decision to bring forward the payment to the end May will be very welcome news for the many independent tradespeople who operate in construction.
"The Government’s support package to date has been targeted at businesses so the self-employed will be welcoming this cash boost at a time when they need it most.”
Individuals are eligible if their business has been adversely affected by coronavirus, they traded in the tax year 2019 to 2020, intend to continue trading, and they:
earn at least half of their income through self-employment;
have trading profits of no more than £50,000 per year; and
traded in the tax year 2018 to 2019 and submitted their Self Assessment tax return on or before 23 April 2020 for that year.
People can check their date using HMRC’s online checker at any time at https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/self-employment-support/enter-unique-taxpayer-reference
For further information, please read HMRC’s guidance or speak to your tax agent. If you need further support, please use HMRC’s webchat service or call the Covid-19 Helpline on 0800 024 1222.
