Skip to main content 4 things to you need to make a claim through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme is now open to eligible applicants on the government’s website. If you plan to make a claim for a grant through the scheme, here’s the information you’ll need to have to hand.
1. Your Government Gateway user ID and password
To submit your claim on HMRC’s website you’ll need to sign in to your Government Gateway account using the Government Gateway user ID and password you received when you registered for Self Assessment online. If you’re having trouble signing in, check this guide on retrieving your HMRC account information.
2. Your Self Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number
In FreeAgent, you can find your Self Assessment UTR number by navigating to ‘Settings’ and ‘Users’ and selecting your name.
If you don’t use FreeAgent, you can find your Self Assessment UTR number in your HMRC online account. The number is also printed on any letters that HMRC sends you about Self Assessment, such as your notice to complete a tax return. Be aware that your UTR might be referred to simply as your ‘tax reference’ number in these letters.
3. Your National Insurance number
In FreeAgent, you can find your National Insurance number by navigating to ‘Settings’ and ‘Users’ and selecting your name.
If you don’t use FreeAgent, you can find your National Insurance number in your HMRC online account or on any letters that HMRC sends you about tax, pensions or benefits.
4. Your bank account details
This is the bank account that HMRC will transfer the money into if your claim is successful. The bank account you use must be based in the UK and be able to receive Bacs payments. The details you need for your bank account are the:
- account number
- sort code
- name on the account
- address linked to the account
Submitting your claim
It’s important to note that when you make a claim through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, you must submit the claim yourself. If your accountant, or anyone else, attempts to submit a claim on your behalf then HMRC will trigger a fraud alert that will delay the process.
HMRC has assigned all eligible individuals a specific date on which to apply, based on their UTR number. If you’re eligible to make a claim through the scheme, you can find out your application date by entering your UTR number into HMRC’s online checker.
On your application date, make sure you’ve gathered all the information you need and then sign in to your Government Gateway account to begin the process of making a claim.
Payments will be backdated from 1st March 2020 and will be paid directly into your bank account as a single sum within six days of your claim being accepted.
To learn more about what the coronavirus crisis could mean for your business and to stay up to date with the latest news, take a look at our small business coronavirus hub.
Disclaimer: The content included in this blog post is based on our understanding of tax law at the time of publication. It may be subject to change and may not be applicable to your circumstances, so should not be relied upon. You are responsible for complying with tax law and should seek independent advice if you require further information about the content included in this blog post. If you don't have an accountant, take a look at our directory to find a FreeAgent Practice Partner based in your local area.
