HMRC call on self-employed to make claims for income support

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is to start contacting self-employed workers who may be eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). The self employed claims  service  will open on 13 May.

The SEISS  service is commencing  ahead of the original timetable. This  will help millions of people looking for self-employed income support. Covering a wide range of industries, this scheme will help those livelihoods that are being adversely affected by the coronavirus.

HMRC say that the claims process will be very simple.  Those eligible will have the money paid into their bank account by 25 May or within six working days of completing a claim.

Those who are eligible will be able to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average trading profits. This will be up to a maximum of £7,500 (equivalent to three months’ profits), paid in a single instalment.

HMRC is also inviting  workers or their agents, to go online and check their eligibility for SEISS.

Once the online check is complete, eligible workers will have a date when they can submit their claim. They are also encouraging workers to update their contact details.

The SEISS scheme brings parity with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, where the Government committed to pay up to £2,500 each month in wages of employed workers who are furloughed during the outbreak.

Where individuals are ineligible for the scheme, HMRC will  advise  on other support available.