What We Know

The Government announced on 2 November 2020 that it will double the level of financial support for self-employed workers in November during the second coronavirus lockdown in England.

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Extension provides critical support to the self-employed in the form of two grants, each available for three-month periods covering 1 November 2020 to January 2021 and February 2021 to April 2021.

Who Can Claim

To be eligible for the Grant Extension self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships must:

• Have been previously eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme first and second grant (although they do not have to have claimed the previous grants).
• Declare that they intend to continue to trade and either:
  • Are currently actively trading but impacted by reduced demand due to coronavirus
  • Were previously trading but are temporarily unable to do so due to coronavirus

What the Grant Extension Covers

The extension will last for six months, from November 2020 to April 2021. Grants will be paid in two lump sum instalments each covering a three-month period.

The first grant will cover a three-month period from 1 November 2020 until 31 January 2021. The self-employment income support scheme (SEISS) would be increased from 40% to 80% of trading profits for the month of November, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits. Including the new higher November grant, it means the November 2020 – January 2021 payment will be to an average 55% of trading profits up to a maximum of £5,160 in total (or £1,720 per month).

The Government are providing broadly the same level of support for the self-employed as is being provided for employees through the Job Support Scheme.

The second grant will cover a three-month period from 1 February 2021 until 30 April 2021. The Government will review the level of the second grant and set this in due course.

The grants are taxable income and also subject to National Insurance contributions.

How to Claim

The online service for the new enhanced scheme will open from the end of November 2020. HMRC will provide full details about claiming and applications in guidance on GOV.UK in due course.