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<p>The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) continues to be one of the most
generous self-employed COVID-19 support schemes in the world. Unfortunately, it has
not been possible to include those who began trading after the 2018-19 tax year in
the SEISS. This was a very difficult decision and it was taken for practical reasons.
The most reliable and up-to-date record of self-employed income is from 2018-19 tax
returns. Individuals can submit Income Tax Self-Assessment returns for 2019-20 trading
activity, but there would be significant risks for the public purse if the Government
relied on these returns for the SEISS.</p><p> </p><p>Those not eligible for the SEISS
may still have access to other elements of the financial support package made available
by the Government. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental
support, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants. The Government has
also temporarily increased the Universal Credit standard allowance for 2020-21 by
£20 per week and relaxed the Minimum Income Floor, so that where self-employed claimants'
earnings have significantly fallen, their Universal Credit award will have increased
to reflect their lower earnings.</p>
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