Self-employment support during coronavirus
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme helps people who are self-employed and struggling with income because of coronavirus. If you’re not eligible for the scheme, you may be able to apply for other support such as benefits.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
The first 3 grants in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme have closed. Details about the fourth grant will be announced on 3 March 2021.
Check if you can claim
To check if you’re eligible, use the Government’s online tool. Your tax agent or adviser can do this on your behalf.
You’ll need your:
- Self Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number
- National Insurance number
Check if you can claim Self-Employment Income Support (GOV.UK)
Warning Watch out for scams
You’ll never get an email, text message or phone call from HMRC which:
- tells you about a tax rebate or penalty
- asks for your personal or payment information
Report suspicious emails, texts and phone calls to HMRC (GOV.UK)
If you’re not eligible for Self-employment Income Support
You may be eligible for:
- deferring your Self-Assessment income tax payments (GOV.UK)
- deferring VAT payments (GOV.UK)
- Universal Credit (GOV.UK)
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance (GOV.UK)
- New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (GOV.UK)
- grants for businesses that pay little or no business rates (GOV.UK)
If you’re not sure what support you can get, contact our helpline for advice.
Government support if you’re self-isolating
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme is available in England. If you have to self-isolate but cannot work from home and you meet the criteria, you could get a single payment of £500 on top of any benefits you receive. Local authorities will be responsible for the payments.
You are automatically eligible if you receive any of these benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credits
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
Claiming financial support under the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme (GOV.UK)
Other coronavirus support
You may also be able to get help with your Council Tax or rent.
Council Tax support during coronavirus
Financial support for renters during coronavirus
Money worries can be stressful and hard, it’s also important to get support if you need it.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 03/02/2021
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