Covid-19: Support for freelancers and the self-employed

As a self-employed freelancer and sole-trader, and with the situation relating to covid-19 changing all the time, it’s been difficult to keep track of the latest guidelines and financial options and available. So I did a little research and have collected a few coronavirus related links and resources aimed at those working on their own or running small businesses. ↓

Self-Employed Income Support (SEISS) and other resources.

If your income has been reduced as result of covid-19 and your trading profits are below £50k, you should be eligible to claim a (taxable) government grant of up to 80% of average profits, up to £2.5k per month. You’ll still be able to work and earn as usual if you can.

The government expect the payments to be ready by the middle of June. However, there are some other steps you can take in the meantime, such as applying for the 3-month extension if you’re due to file annual accounts and taking the self-assessment payment deferral for second payments on account.

You may also be eligible for Universal Credit, the income requirements for which have been relaxed and / or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

Continue scrolling for more links relating to coronavirus and freelancing in general.

General info and resources for freelancers and designers during the Covid-19 emergency.

Leapers supports the mental health of freelancers and the self-employed. They have lots of useful covid-related resources.

leapers.co/resources/little-guides/coronavirus

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IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed, have created a dedicated coronavirus hub

ipse.co.uk/coronavirus-hub.html

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Advice and ideas for UK small businesses

smallbusiness.co.uk

Other links.

Business advice regarding covid-19, Suffolk Gov.

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-businesses/

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Looking after your mental health

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ipse.co.uk/coronavirus-hub.html

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Coronvirus and your mental health

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/smallbusiness.co.uk

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Rehab 4 Addiction is an advisory and referral service for people who suffer from alcohol, drug and behavioural addiction.

https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/country-wide/drug-alcohol-rehab-ipswich

Vaccine advice.

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-businesses/

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Travel advice

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-abroad-from-england-during-coronavirus-covid-19

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Workplace advice during covid-19

https://www.acas.org.uk/working-safely-coronavirus/returning-to-the-workplace

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Covid-19 and flexible working for families

https://workingfamilies.org.uk/publications/covid-19-and-flexible-working/

I should make clear that I’m not the author of any of the above freelancer / self-employed covid content. I’ve just collected a few useful links and will endeavour to add to and update them as things change.

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Stay safe.