Last week the chancellor announced plans to extend the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SIESS) for those whose trade continues to be, or is newly, adversely affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Eligible self-employed people will be able to claim a second and final SEISS grant in August; this will be a taxable grant worth 70% of their average monthly trading profits for three months, paid out in a single instalment and capped at £6,570 in total.

The eligibility criteria for the second grant will be the same as for the first grant. You do not need to have claimed the first grant to claim the second grant: for example, your business may have been adversely affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus) more recently.

Claims for the first SEISS grant, which opened on 13‌‌ May, must be made no later than 13‌‌ July. Eligible self-employed people must make a claim before that date to receive the first SEISS grant (a taxable grant of 80% of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £7,500 in total).

Although individuals must make the claim themselves, we are here to support you and help if we can. More information about the second SEISS grant will be available on GOV.UK on 12 June.