Support for freelancers and the self-employed

Government introduces Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, where self-employed people who have been adversely affected by the Coronavirus a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits over the past three years to a maximum of £2,500/month
The minimum income floor in Universal Credit will be temporarily relaxed for those directly affected by Covid-19 or self-isolating, ensuring self-employed claimants will be compensated for losses in income
New style’ Employment and Support Allowance will be payable for people directly affected by Covid-19 or self-isolating according to government advice from the first day of sickness, rather than the eighth day. Meaning you won’t need to be sick or isolating for a week before you are entitled to benefits – however there is still a wait time of up to four weeks.
Self-employed shall be support in the tax scheme, the next self-assessment payments will be deferred to January 2021
People will be able to claim Universal Credits and access advance payments where they are directly affected by Covid-19 (or self-isolating), without the current requirement to attend a Jobcentre- You will be able to verify your documents using the online HMRC portal.

You should clearly state in the “Other Information” section on the application, as well as in your “Journal” on the Gov portal after you summit your claim that you are currently self-isolating or have COVID-19.
You will be asked to phone the hotline to book an appointment, when booking your appointment once again inform the advisor you are in self isolation. This will allow them to set up your claim without you attending an appointment.

HMRC has set up a dedicated Covid-19 helpline to help those in need, and they may be able to agree a bespoke Time to Pay arrangement. HMRC will also waive late payment penalties and interest where a business experiences administrative difficulty contacting HMRC or paying taxes due to Covid-19.
A new, temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, delivered by the British Business Bank, to support businesses to access bank lending (loans of up to £1.2 million) and overdrafts. The government will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each loan. Small Business can apply for the loans from 23 March 2020. The terms of the loans will be ‘attractive’ and the Chancellor has stated no interest will be charged for the first 12 months of the loan period.
The Chancellor has also advised there will be cash flow support through the tax system, by deferring the next quarter of VAT payments. Businesses will not make VAT payments till the end of June (payments from this period can now be paid out the end of the Financial year)
Arts Council England is making £20 million available to individuals working in the cultural sector, including artists, creative practitioners and freelancers. Find out more here

Please note, at Create Jobs we're equipped to help young people get jobs and paid work in the creative industries but if you need support with any of the above, your best bet is to speak to the pros. For any help and support, please checkout the useful links below or contact:

Turn2Us: 0808 802 2000

Citizens Advice: 03444 111 444

HMRC: 0800 0159 559