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<p>Throughout the crisis, the Government’s priority has been to protect lives and
livelihoods. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) was designed to target
support at those who most need it, while protecting the Exchequer against error, fraud,
and abuse.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has taken a flexible and responsive approach
and will continue to consider the matter carefully and work closely with stakeholders
to explore how it can best support different groups.</p><p> </p><p>Moreover, the SEISS
continues to be just one element of a substantial package of support for the self-employed.
Those ineligible for the SEISS may still be eligible for other elements of the support
available. The Universal Credit standard allowance has been temporarily increased
for 2020-21 and the Minimum Income Floor relaxed for the duration of the crisis, so
that where self-employed claimants' earnings have fallen significantly, their Universal
Credit award will have increased to reflect their lower earnings. In addition to this,
they may also have access to other elements of the package, including Bounce Back
loans, tax deferrals, rental support, mortgage holidays, self-isolation support payments,
and other business support grants.</p><p> </p>
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