Second coronavirus grant for self-employed opens

Self-employed people who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic could be able to claim a payment of up to £6,570.

The second phase of the UK Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) opened for applications on Monday (August 17).

According to the government, more than 2.7 million people across the UK benefited from the first phase of the scheme, which distributed £7.8bn earlier on in the coronavirus pandemic.

In Wales, there were 108,000 claims made, worth a combined £289m.

Those eligible for the second grant will be able to receive 70% of their average monthly trading profits – up to £6,570 – within six working days of making the claim.

Anyone who is self-employed and has seen their business hit by the pandemic since July 14, is eligible for the grant.

Anyone who may be eligible will be contacted by HMRC.

A statement released by the government said: “The eligibility criteria remains the same as for the first grant, with people needing to have had trading profits of no more than £50,000, making up at least half of their total income.”

Secretary of state for Wales, Simon Hart MP, said: “The coronavirus pandemic remains an unprecedented challenge but the UK Government has provided the support to ensure Wales’s economy is ready to bounce back.

“We said it would do whatever it took to support the people and businesses of Wales and we have produced an unprecedented package of measures to deliver on that promise.

“Our support schemes have supported the livelihoods of thousands across Wales and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible.”