Self employed from 19/20 no financial help?

Manthacordery

Hi,
My partner is self employed and works in construction and hasn't been able to access ANY government help/grant's during the pandemic as he began his venture in April 2019 and didn't produce anything in the 2018/2019 tax year. He of course has now been working self employed for 1 year 9 months and submitted his tax return on time last year. Fortunately he has been able to continue most work and we only saw a small decline in income. Until now. He is awaiting test results for covid and even if these results are negative he needs to isolate for 10 days as someone he goes to work with has tested positive. Is there any short term help for him? We have already had to take out our 2nd mortgage holiday. We dont know where to start. God forbid he gets a positive result and things take a turn.... I saw there was a £500 local grant for self employed in isolation but only if you have been asked through the track and trace app. Very unfair. We will follow the rules for the sake of peoples health yet he has fallen through a loop hole and we have to suffer with zero help?? 

[Deleted User]

Manthacordery said:

Hi,
My partner is self employed and works in construction and hasn't been able to access ANY government help/grant's during the pandemic as he began his venture in April 2019 and didn't produce anything in the 2018/2019 tax year. He of course has now been working self employed for 1 year 9 months and submitted his tax return on time last year. Fortunately he has been able to continue most work and we only saw a small decline in income. Until now. He is awaiting test results for covid and even if these results are negative he needs to isolate for 10 days as someone he goes to work with has tested positive. Is there any short term help for him? We have already had to take out our 2nd mortgage holiday. We dont know where to start. God forbid he gets a positive result and things take a turn.... I saw there was a £500 local grant for self employed in isolation but only if you have been asked through the track and trace app. Very unfair. We will follow the rules for the sake of peoples health yet he has fallen through a loop hole and we have to suffer with zero help?? 

Have you checked to see if you are eligible for universal credit? 

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou?utm_source=BAdviser&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=GovUK

poppy12345

New style ESA can be claimed if isolating. It pays £74.35 per week (over 25's) details in link. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance#proof-of-your-eligibility-if-youre-claiming-because-of-coronavirus