Universal credit: does self employed grant affect universal credit?

The Government is pressing on with its range of financial schemes for those unable to work during the coronavirus crisis. The Self Employed Income Support scheme was launched by the

Chancellor Rishi Sunak earlier on in the crisis to help self employed people from financial ruin. Self employed people are often more vulnerable as they do not have the backing of a company

and its benefits, such as sick pay and maternity leave. At the time, Mr Sunak said: “To support those who work for themselves, today I am announcing a new self-employed income support

scheme. “The Government will pay self-employed people who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus a taxable grant worth 80 percent of their average monthly profits over the last

three years." Self employed individuals who have signed onto the grant scheme can carry on working, although most industries have ground to a halt, making the availability of work

scarce. Universal Credit is a state benefit designed to help those in and out of work with living costs. The scheme has been a lifeline for those who, throughout the coronavirus crisis, have

been unable to find work or have been laid off and not put on furlough. DOES THE SELF EMPLOYED GRANT AFFECT UNIVERSAL CREDIT? The Government guidance states: “You can make a claim for

Universal Credit while you wait for the grant, but any grant received will be treated as part of your self-employment income and may affect the amount of UC you get. Any UC claims for

earlier periods will not be affected.” For the self employed awaiting the grant, any Universal Credit claim now won’t affect future grant payments. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR UNIVERSAL CREDIT? You

can get Universal Credit if: * You are on low income or are out of work * You are 18 or over * You are under state pension age, or your partner is * You and your partner have less than

£16,000 in savings * You live in the UK * A single person aged 25+ can currently get £409 per month from the Government in the form of Universal Credit. This rate can vary, depending on your

age and circumstances. You can view the Express.co.uk guide to claiming Universal Credit while self employed here.