United Kingdom government relief guide
As part of our efforts to help support drivers during the COVID-19 crisis, the Uber team is working on gathering up-to-date information about government financial support that you may be eligible for and how you can request it.
In this post, we’ll help answer important questions and provide access to resources to help you apply.¹
This is intended to give you a summary of the guidance. Please ensure you look at the government guidance directly for the latest information.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme - extension
The Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is aimed at anyone self-employed who has been impacted by COVID-19. The scheme has been extended to cover anyone impacted between 1 November 2020 and 29 January 2021.
You can use the online service here to see if you are eligible for this third grant which is worth 80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single installment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £7,500 in total.
You do not have to have claimed previous iterations of the grant in order to make a future application, you can make your claim by email, letter or within the online service on, or before 29 January 2021.
The Government also recently announced a fourth SEISS extension covering February 2021 to April 2021 - further details will be published in due course.
How do I know if I am eligible?
The Government has explained that you will be eligible for the scheme if you’re self-employed and you:
- have been previously eligible for the first and second SEISS grant (although you do not have to have claimed the previous grants)
- declare that you intend to continue to trade and either: i) are currently actively trading but are impacted by reduced demand due to coronavirus, OR ii) were previously trading but are temporarily unable to do so due to coronavirus. You must have traded in the financial year 2018 to 2019, and submitted your Self Assessment tax return on or before 23 April 2020 for that year
How do I claim?
If you are eligible, you must make your claim for the third grant on or before 29 January 2021.
For full information on the financial support available, to check your eligibility and to make an application, visit the gov.uk website.
When will I receive the grant money?
The Government has previously indicated that grant payments will be made within six working days of completing a claim.
We are continuing to monitor new guidance on the fourth SEISS scheme and will update you accordingly.
Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme
The Government has announced a support payment scheme for those asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, and who are on a low income and will lose income as a result.
Under the scheme, you may be entitled to a payment of £500. The scheme has been extended to 31st March 2021.
Please head to the GOV.UK website for more details and to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.
Tax Scouts: 15% discount for drivers
If you need support in filing your tax return, we’ve partnered with Tax Scouts to provide drivers with a 15% discount. You can find more information on how to redeem the offer by clicking here.
Scottish Government: Taxi and Private Hire Driver Support Fund
The Scottish Government has announced a one-off grant of £1,500 for taxi and private hire drivers impacted by COVID-19. This is in addition to any other funding received from the Scottish or UK Government, such as the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
Local authorities will be getting in touch with drivers starting the week commencing 18 January - there is no need to contact them. To qualify, you must have been licensed for the period 17 March 2020 to at least 31 January 2021 - more information is available here.
Universal Credit
As well as the new Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, you may also be eligible for Universal Credit, which is a monthly benefit payment from the Government to help you pay for your living costs.
If due to COVID-19, you are earning less than you usually do from driving or delivering and are facing increased financial pressure, then you should check to see if you are eligible for Universal Credit.
The Government has increased the amount of support available, making it easier for anyone who self-employed to qualify.
Extension on Paying your Self Assessment Tax Bill
If you are due to be making a ‘self-assessment payment on account’ to HMRC on 31st July 2020 then you can delay this payment until 31st January 2021. This is an automatic offer with no applications required.
Find more information on whether ‘Payments on Account’ is applicable to you here.
Find out more about deadlines for paying your Self Assessment Tax Bill here.
More information about all Government help
Frequently asked questions
- How do I apply for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)?
HMRC have said that they will get in contact with everyone who is eligible for this scheme, along with the necessary steps on how to apply.
- How much money will I receive from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)?
If found eligible, the scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your net earnings up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for three months.
- When will I receive the SEISS payment?
The Government has indicated that the first payments will start by June.
- Can I still claim the SEISS if I am still working?
Yes, the grant will be treated as part of your taxable income in your 2020-21 tax return.
- Can I still be eligible for the SEISS if I made more than £50,000 in earnings on Uber last tax year?
Yes, the £50,000 cut-off is on self-employed trading profits. So long as your profits (ie. after your expenses, like your car, insurance and fuel, are deducted) are not above £50,000 you can still be eligible.
- Can I still be eligible for the SEISS if I don’t have 3 years of tax returns?
Yes, if you started filing Self Assessment tax returns between 2016-19 (or are about to file your 2018-19 Self Assessment tax return before the 23rd April 2020) then HMRC will use those years that are available.
- I only became self-employed in the last 12 months, can I still be eligible for SEISS?
Those who have been self-employed for less than 12 months are not eligible for SEISS. If this applies to you, you should look at applying for Universal Credit instead.
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