Scheme in place to help self-employed during pandemic
An HMRC scheme to support the self-employed has opened for claims – weeks ahead of schedule.
Self-employed individuals or members of partnerships in the East Kilbride area whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus will be able to apply for a SelfEmployment 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 £7500 – expected to land in bank accounts within six working days of each claim.
People will be able to make their claim on a specified date between May 13-18, based on their Unique Tax Reference number.
The SEISS is part of a comprehensive package of support for selfemployed 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.
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.”
People can check their date using HMRC’s online checker at https://www. tax.service.gov.uk/ self-employmentsupport/ enter-unique-taxpayerreference