Check your SEISS eligibility

Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is now open for the self-employed to receive a grant of up to £7,500.  The HMRC website to check your SEISS eligibility has been set up.  Find out what you need to do to allow HMRC to process your claim.  Your accountant can put your details into the HMRC online tool, but will not be able claim SEISS on your behalf.

How do you check your SEISS eligibility?

To manage the SEISS claim process HMRC have staggered the application process based on your Unique Tax Reference (UTR).  To find out when you can apply, use the HMRC online tool.  You will need the following details to check your SEISS eligibility and eventually make your claim.

• Self-assessment UTR
• National Insurance number
• Government Gateway ID and password
• Bank account details for the grant payment

What do I need to do now?

Make sure you can log in to your Government Gateway account.  This is your online account with HMRC.  If you have never logged in or you have lost your password  / ID, make sure you can access it now!  You can register for the Government Gateway here.  To find your lost UTR number look up your previous tax returns or letters from HMRC.

If you have forgotten your user ID or password, there is a page here to reset your details.

Check your SEISS eligibility online

Open the HMRC online tool and enter the details requested.

Enter your UTR

Provide your National Insurance Number

If you are eligible

When you can apply from a future date you will see a message like this:

Click continue to add your contact details.

If you are already able to claim your grant, you will see the following message:

 

HMRC video

HMRC have produced a short film explaining the claim process for your SEISS grant.  The video won’t win any awards and very much has the feel of being provided from home, but it should reflect what you need to do.

How do I prove the adverse impact of COVID-19?

The following slide from a short film from HMRC shows the proof that you are expected to keep of the adverse impact on your business of the Coronavirus.

This includes:

• Monthly accounts showing the impact of the downturn in business
• Details of any loans including deferring VAT
• Dates you had to close your business
• Dates you or your team were unable to work due to sickness or caring responsibilities

Can my accountant check my SEISS eligibility?

Your tax agent or adviser can’t make the claim for you but anyone who knows your UTR and National Insurance number can check if you are eligible for the SEISS.  However you must make the claim yourself.  If you use an agent you should contact them if you need any help or support.

If anyone contacts you offering to claim your grant on your behalf they will be a fraudster.  Do not divulge any personal information or click on any links in emails which claim to help you with SEISS grants.

HMRC have noticed some accountants are using their client’s Government Gateway credentials to make claims on their behalf.  Don’t allow your accountant to do this!  It will trigger a fraud alert and will result in delays to receiving payment.