Second round of Self-Employed Income Support Scheme now open for applications

The second round of the Government’s Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has opened for applications this week (Monday 17 August). Self-employed people, whose livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19 will now be able to claim a second payment of up to £6,570. Anyone whose self-employed business has been adversely affected by coronavirus since 14 July is eligible for the scheme, which is worth 70% of average monthly trading profits. Payments should be made within six working days of making a claim.

The Government has advised that HMRC will contact all potentially eligible customers to make them aware that they can claim for a second and final SEISS grant, however you do not need to wait for them to contact you before applying. 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 income.

The scheme closes on 19 October 2020.

Further guidance on how the grant works can be found here.

If you have any further queries on how this grant may affect other entitlements, or to see if you are eligible for support through the benefit system contact the Family Benefits Advice Service on 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.