COVID-19 Update #43: Updates to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

HMRC will start to contact people who may be eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme this week.

We’re working closely with the Revenue to ensure the process is as seamless as possible so you can receive much-needed funds promptly.

While we cannot make the claim for you, we can:

• Use the online eligibility tracker on your behalf to see if you qualify.
• Talk you through why you may/may not be eligible for the scheme.
• Help you find all the information you need to submit an application.
• Help you compete your tax return if you haven’t already. Please note your tax returns need to be up-to-date in order to make a claim.

Making a claim

When you make your claim, you’ll only need your:

• Self-Assessment UTR – if you do not have this find out how to get your lost UTR.
• National Insurance number – if you do not have this find out how to get your lost. National Insurance number.
• Government Gateway user ID and password – if you do not have a user ID, you can create one when you check your eligibility online.
• Bank account number and sort code you want the grant paid into (only provide bank account details where a Bacs payment can be accepted).

Please note that you will have to confirm to HMRC that your business has been adversely affected by coronavirus.

If you claim the grant, HMRC will treat this as confirmation you’re below the state aid limits.

What if I can’t claim?

We understand it’s very upsetting if you’re not eligible for the scheme. If you’re struggling to meet your financial obligations during the Coronavirus outbreak, we may be able to help you reduce your payments in a number of other ways including:

• Delaying VAT payments.
• Delaying your Self-Assessment payment on account.
• Paying your tax bill in instalments.
• Getting a payment from the Small Business Grant Fund.
• Receiving a loan from the Business Interruption Loan Scheme or Bounce Back Loan.
• Claiming Universal Credit.
• Applying for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
• Applying for Child Benefit.

If HMRC has told you that you’re not eligible to claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, you can ask them to review your case. This will be done from 18 May 2020 and HMRC has said they will explain your eligibility to you by the end of the month.

You can find out all the latest information about the scheme on the gov.uk website and check your eligibility here.

If you have any questions about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme or would like information about other forms of funding you may be eligible for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with PKB.