The government will offer self-employed workers a second and final grant in August, it has been confirmed.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) would pay out a second grant worth 70% of monthly trading profits on Friday, alongside further details on the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
The SEISS has so far drawn 2.3 million claims worth £6.8bn, the government said. The second payment will again be paid out as a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, capped at £6,570.
Coronavirus government support
Self-employed workers can continue to apply for the first SEISS grant, which is up to 80% of average monthly trading profits, until 13 July. Individuals do not have to have claimed the first grant to be eligible for the second, and applications open in August.
The eligibility criteria are the same for both grants, in that workers must confirm that their business has been adversely affected by coronavirus. So those whose businesses were not initially impacted by the virus but are now adversely affected now have the option of the second grant.
The government said further guidance on the second grant will be published on Friday 12 June.
Derek Cribb, CEO of the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE), said the extension would be “an overwhelming relief to self-employed people”.
“It is very welcome that the chancellor has once again heeded our calls and taken steps to get many of the self-employed, who are particularly struggling in the coronavirus crisis, the income support they so badly need.”
Prior to Friday’s announcement, there had been concerns that the Treasury would not extend support for self-employed workers, despite pledging that they would enjoy “parity” with payrolled employees.
Mike Cherry, national chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, had warned that self-employed workers such as hairdressers and caterers, who could be impacted for many more months by the virus, would face a “cliff edge” if support was not forthcoming.
Cherry welcomed Friday’s announcement the SEISS would produce a second grant.
He said: “Small firms have long been the backbone of the UK economy and these policies will help keep it that way.
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“Keeping the self-employed and those who work in a small business attached to the labour market is crucial to prevent scarring of the economy – the package today gives certainty and support to millions.”
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48 comments
This a joke no support what’s so Eva for the self-employed who have only been been self employed for a short period of time we are struggling and the government are now giving the long term self employed another grant how does this work
In Scotland you can get 2000£ grant for newly self employed
Why should long term self employed be treated the same as no history short term self employed?
The system needs to protect from scammers
Because you need at least 1 previous tax year through CIS. Or self employment is not how you have earned your momey over the years. So why should self employment scheme help you when you haven’t put anything into it. PAYE are paid holidays, self employed are not. Should PAYE start paying the self employed holidays??? Joker
True. You can’t be self employed for a short time. Not pay in much tax. And expect the same as someone who’s been continuously self employed. Paid there taxes week after week. Year after year . So glad there giving another one out. As my job isn’t back to normal yet. It will take time for all trades to get back.
Rubbish, it does’nt matter wether you have been self employed for 3 years or 3 months. First of all the pandemic probably did’nt effect any one untill around March 2020 so if you started a new business or became self employed between the 2019-20 tax year ie in January you would’nt be entitled to any help because you hav’nt filed a tax return. Second to be a member of the CIS you have to apply to HMRC along with your UTR number to register, so they are aware that you are self employed. I for one have been lucky enough to continue working through the crisis and as it stands i’m managing but that does not mean that i hav’nt lost revenue just the same as someone that has been self employed longer. I work along side people that have received grants for March onwards and they have also continued to work through the crisis so whats the difference. I could go on and on but the way i see it is it was to easy for people to get the grant when maybe many did’nt need it. HMRC could of contacted those who started between 2019-20 and requested a proof of earnings to establish their financial state, not to forget that CIS tax is deducted at source.PS, i have been PAYE for over 45 years and paid more than my fare share of tax and NI at a higher rate than CIS !
I’ve been PAYE for 6 years
And self wmployed for less than one and didnt receive support. Is that right?
I been self employed for 21 years you been for one year and you expect same treatment no buddy doesn’t work like that unfortunately
I’ve been self-employed for 30 years also and totally agree – if you haven’t paid in then you shouldn’t receive anything!
But i paid taxes for lass 6years as a PAYE . So whats the difference?
I only have a tax return for 2018/2019, I started out in July 2018 so you don’t have to be self employed for long but they do need something to go from to give you a grant. You could be telling them that in the first months of being self employed you have earned a lot of money so they would have to give you 80% of that but where’s the proof, they need some proof and that’s understandable. You can still apply for jobseekers and Universal credit too, they will look into each individuals situation. There are business loans available now and they can give you 25% of your average earnings and government pays the interest for the first year so if you pay that back within a year, you don’t pay any interest, that can help if you’re self employed but don’t qualify for SEISS, I know some self employed people that I work alongside that have done this and are claiming Universal credit and jobseekers. There are options available, it might not be the best for everyone but at least it’s something.
You are right darling but some people want eas money .. we all are struggling but at least we get some help
True
i agree. I can’t get Jack. I went SE 17 months ago and prior to that paid contiousley for 36 years PAYE. And know i get nothing. A totall disgrace and it had made me really depressed. I simply do not want to carry on. I can’t see a way out and it will get much worse. Is the Chancellor totally ignorant of the real world. He is simply not listening. I hope he suffers like we are but being a Wealthy Diplomat he will not but will force others into depression and financial years of misery. He’s being done by the Rich Employers who twist all the loopholes and benefit from clever accountants. Totally left out by a Facist.
The government take the piss out of people saying that they will not help self employed who have not submitted 18/19 return before 23april as I am one who did not due to hmrc saying I had outstanding penalties on my account which was not correct and later confirmed by hmrc to be the wrong information which they decided to confirm after the deadline had passed
If its a mistake of hmrc you can appeal rectify and theyll pay you in full if deadlines closed. Saw it on Martin lewis last night. Definitely get money if its hmrc fault
I feel so let down with this as I was working up until the 19th March and was told I wasnt on my companys books I work in the TV and Film industry as a freelancer I started with the company on the 9th of March worked for 2 weeks and was told due to the lockdown I had to stop work now what I cant understand is if the company pays me weekly then why cant I be on their payroll also because Ive fell through the cracks of this benifit I dont qualify for any help can this be right Ive paid all my taxes Im never off work I pay enough National insurance to look after 2or3 pensions I dont have any facility to compain directly to the people that came to these decisions and set the dates of who would qualify for this after 40 years working in the industry its the worst Ive ever been treated. As we are aware these are very testing times and we are all supposed to be in it together as equals then why is it when it comes to help its the chosen few…BT.
Hi u can claim benefits but by sounds of it having enough to pay peoples pensions high earner. So fuess cam live of savings. Think allowed £16.000 in savings to get universal credit.
Very let down and angry, I like many others became self employed in 2018 – I have now sent two tax returns to HMRC and am not eligible for support as I earnt too much before I became self employed in April -June 2018. The system is very unfair. I have worked all my adult life – it is disgraceful and only possible as we are in a minority.
sorry to here that you’ve worked all your adult life and you can’t get any help..how comes tax man left you alone all this time….tried goggle payment for grant cov-19 etc..step by step see if thats any help for yeah fingers cross my friend said the same as yourself i done it step by step with them they had a nice though pound notes back it only took 3 working day in his bank account….
Be grateful for what the government are doing for us…. Something is better then nothing. People out there in the world who don’t get anything from the government.
Totally agree
Always moaners. Think boris has been very fair with most on self employed. Have to do it ortherwise people could claim high earners starting up. Guess only right people paid into system a while get it back to help support them in difficult times. Guess not lifes fair if just started a business and found cant claim. But there are many alternatives out there pleamty of benefits out there not all based on your savings. Need to thinking cap on and work best solutions out. But if your savings run out youll then get universal credit. No such thing as poverty in this country. Nust greedy people who expect n think its their right to money. Think about positives in your life instead of negatives. In uk youll never be totally pennyless always hostels housings benefits. Just you have tp tow line a bit dont have drugs in them and abuse staff. N if get a flat pay bills like everyone else instead of spending on drink drugs.
Why would an outstanding penalty stop you from filing your return? Its not as if you were paying the penalty just filing your return by the deadline everyone has each year. Hope you can get something sorted.
My husband’s tax return was filed and paid by the end of January. In May when we didn’t receive a letter we called HMRC and we were informed of a mistake. We rectified the mistake with the advisor and were told that he would now be eligible. We paid the rest of the tax that the error had generated which we couldn’t afford. We have now been told that he isn’t eligible as the mistake wasn’t noticed until May. We have three small children and we are struggling to make ends meet. I have even emailed Rishi Sunak and haven’t had a reply.
Yes there just muggers with a posh voice. I got the grant £4600.70p but never got my tax return of £5900 and get This I had paid to much yes that’s right to much class 2 NI and thay say that needs to be sorted b4 my tax return can be released OMG ITS EASY TO SORT IT PAY ME THE MONEY BACK PLUS iam 99% shore the government did away with class 2 and replaced it with class 4 so I went on there site to check my NI and according to that I’ve missed last 3 yrs NI payments which I haven’t I no thay have a hell of a lot to get thu with all this going on but I think there will be a lot of people getting letters soon demanding money back
Take the stress of yourself get a accountant costs me £150 a year. Plus insurances can take out for any problems. Let accountant do it for you. I be grudge paying a accountant but a customer said you fill one digit wrong could cost you more. Pay someone and offset it against business as expenses
I started as self employed in January 2017. HMRC was calculated my profits for 2 months and 3 weeks like all tax year for 2016/17 These .amount decreased my average monthly income from 1300 to 900 .it is completely unfair what they are doing.
I feel it’s so unfair, because I have my business and a rental business , they say I am not eligible as last years profit was low , even though I have submitted past the 3 years and do not take into account of the rental? Where do you go from here?? Worried
I too have the same problem,my retail business has suffered over the years ,my rental Income is greater than my trading income,so not eligible .i have been shut since March and relying on savings .sent a e mail to rushi but got no response ,yes it’s so unfair!
I didnt earn any money in 18,19 actually made a loss because of van insurance and accountants bill,i earned in 16.17.17.18.but have been told by hmrc im not eligible,
Without sounding rude change accountant shop about i spent half a day ringing about. Got one chartered £150 for year. And tell them your not putting increases every year ortherwise wont stay. Mine hasnt in about 4yrs still same. Van insurance again compare the market. Com dont stay with same insurance. Maybe nlt doing something right in business. But everyone in business to make money not losses. Hmrc expect increases not decreases less have valid reason unable to work sickness or something
Question. Is it necessary to prove that my business is effected by covid19 for the second payment of 70% . And if YES haw can they found out that I don’t have income? (Maybe by showing back statement)?
Very happy with the grant. No it’s not perfect! But what is? The situation is awful and while I appreciate it’s not going to help everyone or be perfect for everyone i think the government has done what it can.
It comes back to the point of – To what extent should the government financially support people? I wonder what other governments are doing? Lots of help available. No not perfect but something. I’ve been financially effected but to be honest I’m happy with support on offer. It means times are hard for me right now but we are budgeting and working around it the best we can.
My husband welcomed the support no where near what he earns a month but better than nothing the unfair part is if they have extended the furlough scheme to October why aren’t they extending the self employed grants till then ? My husbands job is non existent at the moment and won’t be likely until at least late 2021/22 due to the nature of it (music business) so at the moment he’s now looking for a new job but at 59 years old he’s finding it hard and everything the chancellor announced doesn’t seem to include the older generations
I think it’s fantastic. Easy to understand and more than I ever expected, I thought it woukd be a loan we would have to repay. There is help for people on really low income right now, contact your local council or get in touch with hmrc. It makes total sense that you have to have a paper trail of tax returns to go on to benefit, otherwise how could they do it? I earn £50k a year, honest gov!? It would take 10 lifetimes to administrator that. I’m really sorry for those with brand new businesses, but there will be help for you.
I’ve been a PAYE tax payer for 19 years, I am 38 and from the age of 18 I have been a tax payer and have gone self employed last year. I am really struggling now after 3 months of no work and feel that I have been let down by our government.
Any one with any bright ideas as I have literally given up on myself
Have you a buisness account apply for a grant if have I no it’s a loan but interest low no repayments for first year not saying it the best option but it’s a good one I personally got one just to consolidate my debts (van ,credit card)as the interest is 0% for a year saved me a few quid worth look
Claim jobseekers support mate you been working all this years you deserve help there are useless people who do nothing absolutely an they get support this drives me crazy when i see lazy people survive on our tax money people like you an me an others who pay rax regular deserves help… an people who really are sick or can’t work for different reasons. But not for the lazy bastsrds
I have been out out of work since May and still trying to find work but will I get the 2nd self employed secheme grant still that I aint working??
Do you get taxed at source 20% if yes that’s your answer your a sub contractor if get taxed 24% or what ever it is and get paid holidays then you employed and should get paid through furlough if not it’s just the 3 month government grants
Companys love subcontractors treat you as employees for years until sh*# hits the fan then you see the true colours
All I can suggest is you are intitalled to universal credit, if you rent it will pay that and give you 400 for single claim or 550 for couple per month. It’s not great but its something. Claims take on average 5 weeks to pay out.
Hi,
Is there any secondary support for companies? I have a small shop and it seems unfair that my fellow self employed shop neighbours are receiving money but as company director I am not.
Thank you.
I’m self employed and have been for over 30 years and missed out on any help by £331 over a three year period based on accounts
My wife was also made redundant in Feb and my business turnover has fallen by 70%
My main groan is how the payments have been made -many self employed around me have worked throughout lockdown so it has not caused to many issues so why get payments
Others have second properties rented out yet still get payouts
So as great as it has been for many and yes we are lucky to live in the UK it has also been abused by many.
For those who only started out in 2018 -2019 but have probably put into the system for many years as PAYE I feel sorry for them and it is unfair
It was rushed and had to be to help but an awful lot of people have done very well out of these payments
Talk to second hand car dealers who are posting record sales they will tell you a lot of people are treating themselves with the extra money they have received curtorsy of HMRC
So great of the government to assist but in many areas not truly very well executed for those who need it most
It is laughable as so many people are struggling and yet the self employed construction workers are working… getting their usual weekly wage…. but were entitled to the first grant up to 7500 and now a second grant up to 6500. Where is the logic in this?
My partner works in the construction he only went back late July from March and he’s taken a pay cut Patricia so I think he should be entitled to the second one !
i have worked cis for past 8 years, did so as start of this tax year my job was effected so took a job PAYE less money and still haven’t picked up any work through cis. am i entitled to claim the grant?
I know people that have been working through the pandemic and still claiming. Is this a loophole or will they get done for it at the end of the tax year?