No Work, No Govt. Help

Adly812

I work as a self employed Group Exercise Teacher. I’ve submitted two tax returns 17/18 & 18/19. 
I had some employed work, which seized in September 18. I’m assuming that I am not eligible for the Self employed furlough grant (given what the online tool suggests)  because this employed work was higher waged than my self employed.
I am now 100% self employed, but I think the calculations have made me slip through the grants eligibility, unless I submit 2019/2020 tax return and they take that into account ?

I have a buy to let, which is a student flat, so soon will be eating into my savings trying to upkeep it without a tenant. So universal credit i don’t think applies to me ?
 I fear leisure centres will be last to return to work, so I’m basically without an income and have no assistance for the foreseeable future..

Given my information above, have a means tested myself wrong and given up even trying to apply for help, or is it highly unlikely that I’m eligible to get any help whatsoever in this crisis? 

Fire_Fox

In some circumstances, a property which you do not live in can be disregarded when claiming benefits, but it is likely to need to be up for sale, perhaps by auction. Alternatives include moving into the flat so that it is classed as your home, or letting it at an attractive price to someone who is not a student.

It is permitted to let providing the property is vacant and 'social distancing' is considered. Tours and paperwork are increasingly being done virtually/ online. You might offer the flat through the local council rather than privately. There are people fleeing domestic violence, or in short term/ temporary accommodation who desperately need a home.

poppy12345

Smb3088 said:

unless I submit 2019/2020 tax return and they take that into account ?

That's not going to help you. You need to have submitted your tax returns on or before 23rd April.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

Adly812

poppy12345 said:

Smb3088 said:

unless I submit 2019/2020 tax return and they take that into account ?

That's not going to help you. You need to have submitted your tax returns on or before 23rd April.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

Ahhhhhh I saw that deadline, kicking myself for being so stupid as I was not ready to submit 19/20 by then.. but if I had, would they have considered that for the eligibility of the grant ?

Adly812

Fire_Fox said:

 You might offer the flat through the local council rather than privately. There are people fleeing domestic violence, or in short term/ temporary accommodation who desperately need a home.

I really wish I could, but it’s a student pod and has soo many restrictions for letting it. I can only let to students. So I’m pretty stuck at the moment. Thinking about selling it, but the market is dormant at the moment so I don’t know how long that could take.

calcotti

Smb3088 said: Ahhhuh I saw that deadline, kicking myself for being so stupid as I was not ready to submit 19/20 by then.. but if I had, would they have considered that for the eligibility of the grant ?

It wouldn’t have made any difference. The 19/20 tax return is not relevant, it is not used. The 23rd April was an extension to the return date for 18/19.

Galloglass

 I fear leisure centres will be last to return to work, so I’m basically without an income and have no assistance for the foreseeable future..

As there is a new phase coming up and you've convinced yourself your current career and investments are not going to support you, time to consider changes. Can you retrain for something else? Check what grants might be available.

The current furlough was to preserve life "as is". But life is not going to be "as is" after this so best start making plans.

Adly812

Galloglass said:

 I fear leisure centres will be last to return to work, so I’m basically without an income and have no assistance for the foreseeable future..

As there is a new phase coming up and you've convinced yourself your current career and investments are not going to support you, time to consider changes. Can you retrain for something else? Check what grants might be available.

The current furlough was to preserve life "as is". But life is not going to be "as is" after this so best start making plans.

Agree, life will not be the same and my career is going to need altered. Group exercise is going to be one of the last things to return I imagine.
most of my colleague are doing virtual classes. However the income is not good and the whole industry is now competing for the same Virtual audience.

I will certainly try and rethink my career. At the moment there does not seem to be any grants out there that I am eligible for, unless I have missed one that might be suitable for me and I am not sure which that would be?