Advice For Self-Employed Coaches and Grooms | Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Advice For Self-Employed Coaches and Grooms | Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Here’s the top advice for self-employed coaches and grooms for the coronavirus pandemic. With the country on ‘lockdown’, we’ve sourced the most up-to-date advice for self-employed coaches and grooms during the coronavirus pandemic. Find all your questions answered, with the latest links to apply for help and advice during this time of work and financial insecurity.

As a self-employed worker in the equestrian industry, can I access financial help from the Government?

Yes. As of 26th March 2020, the government announced financial aid during the Coronavirus pandemic for all self-employed workers, including equestrian coaches and grooms. Launching the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, those who have been self-employed for at least 1-year, average earning are at £50,000 or below, and report trading profits through Income Tax Self-Assessment will be able to claim a compensatory salary.

The scheme is estimated to cover 95% of all self-employed individuals who receive the majority of their earnings from self-employment.

Self-employed individuals who are owner-managers and pay themselves a salary through PAYE will be eligible for support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

How much will I earn through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme?

Self-employed equestrian workers can apply for a grant of up to 80% of their average monthly profits, based on the last three years of up to £2,500 per month. If you have been self-employed for fewer years, the average monthly profits will be taken from the these years.

The scheme will cover three months’ earnings with the first lump sum payments to be made in June 2020. Individuals that have not filed their tax return for 2019 will have until 23 April 2020 to do so, and therefore be eligible for the scheme.

Grants will be paid in a single lump sum instalment covering all 3 months, and will start to be paid at the beginning of June.

What income support can I access until the Scheme’s grants are issued?

Self-employed workers effected by Coronavirus will still be able to access other available government support, including universal credit and business continuity loans where they have a business bank account, before their grant payments are made. Welfare support is also accessible.

Does Universal Credit apply to me?

Universal Credit is government support for those who don’t qualify for the self employed, or employee packages.

You could get Universal Credit on the basis of remaining at home on government advice:

If you don’t qualify for Statutory Sick Pay or Employment and Support Allowance. 

You need additional help on top of Statutory Sick Pay or Employment and Support Allowance.

There is a 5 week wait before you receive Universal Credit. However, you can get help from day one through a Universal Credit Advance Payment. Advance payments have to be paid back out of your Universal Credit payments and must be paid back within 12 months.

How do I apply for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme?

You cannot apply for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. HMRC will contact you if you are eligible for the scheme and invite you to apply online.

Is there any additional Government support for self-employed equestrian worker during the Coronavirus pandemic?

Yes. The Government are trying to support short-term cash flow within 2020, for the self-employed, by deferring tax payments due in July 2020, to January 2021.

For further details on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, CLICK HERE.

*Due to daily developments, advice and support may become available over the subsequent days. Check back regularly to keep up-to-date. [UPDATED 27/03/20 – 15:50 GMT). 

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