Millions of self-employed people whose livelihoods have been affected by coronavirus will be able to claim a second payment of up to £6,570 from today – as the government continues to help drive the UK’s recovery.
Today (Monday, 17th August), the Government announced the opening of the second stage of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) for applications.
Anyone whose self-employed business has been adversely affected by coronavirus since 14 July is eligible for the scheme.
Those who are eligible will receive a Government grant, worth up to £6,570. In total, 2.7 million have accessed SEISS grants totally £7.8 billion.
HMRC will contact all potentially eligible customers to advise them that they can claim for a second and final SEISS grant.
The eligibility criteria remains the same as for the first grant, with people needing to have had trading profits of no more than £50,000, making up at least half of their total income.
The SEISS is part of a comprehensive package of support for self-employed 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.
The Chancellor has also set out the government’s Plan for Jobs to support, protect and create jobs up and down the country- including in the construction and housing sectors through funding to decarbonise public sector buildings and our Green Homes Grant.
Lucy Allan MP said:
"I am glad that the Chancellor and his team are continuing to pay close attention to the self-employed, and have listened carefully when I have raised the feedback and concerns of my constituents.
I would advise all those who require support to look into the scheme and apply if they are eligible."
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, said:
"Our self employment income support scheme has already helped millions of hard working people, whose get up and go drive is crucial to our economy.
It means that people’s livelihoods across the country will remain protected as we continue our economic recovery - helping them get back on their feet as we return to normal."
