Self-employed people are being invited to start claiming government grants, which they could receive by the end of the month. HMRC has started contacting individuals who may be eligible for the self-employed income support scheme. Those who are eligible can claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average trading profits, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.

Afford Bond Director, Paul Edwards, said: “The claims service is now set to open on 13 May, and those eligible should have the money paid into their bank account  by 25 May or within  six working days  of completing a claim. It will be a welcome relief that the government can tell people early if they are eligible for the self-employment income support scheme (SISS). The system has been complex to implement but this new initiative is very welcome ahead of the schedule we expected.”

If you have your 10 digit tax payer reference number and your national insurance number to hand, you can now register to submit a claim yourself by click on:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-…

If you need advice on working out what you might be entitled to, please use the Contact Us form on our website at www.affordbond.com. It is hoped that the government will also bring forward the self-employed income support scheme (SISS) payment date, to get money to those self-employed businesses who are struggling.