How to apply for the second self-employed support grant and who is eligible?

Millions of self-employed workers whose businesses were hit by the pandemic can now apply for a second coronavirus support grant.

The self-employed income support scheme (SEISS) has already provided relief to 2.7 million people, as the first round of the grants saw the Government dish out more than £7.7 billion.

The first grant, which was launched in May, covered lost profits in the months of March, April, and May, and provided 80% of a person’s average three months’ profits, capped at £2,500 per month.

What does the second grant cover, how can you apply, and when is the deadline to apply?

Who is eligible for the second self-employment support grant?

Not all self-employed people are eligible for the grant – to apply, you’ll need to meet a specific set of criteria:

* You are a self-employed individual or a member of a partnership and can prove your business has been adversely affected due to coronavirus

* You have filed a tax return for 2018/2019

* You traded in the tax year 2019 to 2020 and intend to continue trade in the coming tax year

* Your trading profits do not exceed £50,000

You should not claim the grant if you’re a limited company or operating a trade through a trust.

How to apply for the second self-employment grant

You’ll need the following in order to submit your claim:

* Self Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)

* National Insurance number

* Government Gateway user ID and password – if you do not have a user ID, you can create one when you make your claim

* UK bank details (only provide bank account details where a Bacs payment can be accepted) including:

* bank account number

* sort code

* name on the account

* your address linked to your bank account

You must make the claim yourself and cannot ask a tax agent or adviser to do it on your behalf, as so would trigger a ‘fraud alert.’ You will also have to confirm to HMRC that your business has been adversely affected due to coronavirus – for example, if you experienced a loss of income or had to pay higher costs.