This has been announced today, details are evolving, but this is what we know:

  • a taxable non repayable grant for Self Employed and Partners – not company directors
  • only available if your average profits over 16/17, 17/18 and 18/19 less than £50,000
  • grant is 80% of average profits over 16/17, 17/18 and 18/19 to a maximum of £2,500 / month (believe this is 80% of £2,500 – punctuation not clear on Government website)
  • scheme lasting three months initially
  • the averaging year rules adjust if you started Self Employment in that period
  • Self Employment must be the majority of your income
  • payments to be made from June onward as one lump sum
  • no restriction on continuing to work

HMRCs Guidance:
Claim a grant through the coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Company Directors / shareholders not covered.  In theory can claim the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grant at 80% of salary but:

  • salary only not dividend
  • can’t continue to work whilst claiming

Edit 14 April 2020 – more detailed guidance now released
Edit 4 May 2020 – details of claims process released
Edit 29 May – “second and final” grant