MP Bob Seely has welcomed the early opening of the Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
The scheme open today - weeks ahead of schedule – enables self-employed individuals, or members of partnerships whose business have been adversely affected by coronavirus, to apply for a grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits.
Those eligible will receive a government grant worth up to £7,500 with the money expected to be in bank accounts within six working days of each claim.
Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, said: “We’re working ahead of time to deliver support to the self-employed and from today, applications open for the millions of people eligible for the scheme.
“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.”
From today, people will be able to make their claim on a specified date between 13-18 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.
Bob said: “I am delighted the Government has been able to open this scheme early. These grants represent a lifeline for many self-employed individuals who really need this money now, including our self-employed tradespeople.
“I encourage all self-employed Islanders to check the dates they can apply and do so as soon as possible. I don’t want any Islanders who are eligible to miss out.”
You can check if you are eligible here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme
You can also check the date you can submit your claim using HMRC’s online checker here: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/self-employment-support/enter-unique-taxpayer-reference
Further support is available by using HMRC’s webchat service or by calling the Covid-19 Helpline on 0800 024 1222.