Repayment of SEISS (Self-Employed Income Support Scheme)

Mhawkster

I'm a self-employed electrician and my recent income (since Christmas) has been affected due to some requirement for me to home school the kids. (My wife covers the vast majority of the week, but not all as she has work commitments too). I did feel this was a significant loss in my earnings against what it would have been (in this period) had I been able to work as normal and so claimed the 3rd SEISS grant at the end of last week. However, since making the claim, I've been thinking more about my claim and don't feel right in claiming the whole amount. Schools have only been closed since January and not NOV/DEC when (other than a few cancellations due to COVID illness/positives tests of clients) my income was fairly normal. Having made the claim, can I now pay back the majority only keeping what I've lost or do I need to repay the whole amount as a partial claim isn't allowed originally? Why they don't have an option to make a partial claim, I don't know. How I wish there was a direct line to Martin Lewis!

Grumpy_chap

SEISS grants are binary.

Jeremy535897

Grumpy_chap said:

SEISS grants are binary.

Yes, the claim is all or nothing, but you can voluntarily repay some or all of a grant:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tell-hmrc-and-pay-the-self-employment-income-support-scheme-grant-back

The phrase "sticking your head in the lion's mouth" comes to mind...

macman

If it salves your conscience, you could always donate it to a charity of your choice.