£1500 fixed Covid payment for self-employed and businesses

Ministers recognise 'it's a difficult time for many'

A fixed payment of £1,500 is being made available by government to help businesses and the self-employed during lockdown.

Ministers have reintroduced the scheme after acknowledging the second lockdown comes at a difficult time for many, with some in a 'challenging cashflow situation'. 

The scheme is open to those who can prove they have overheads of at least £500 per month, and will run alongside MERA and the Salary Support Scheme.

Applications for the payment will open today at 3pm, and will be accepted up until the 31st January.

Those who were previously eligible will be 'fast-tracked', with new applicants required to undergo full tax checks.

Government's Covid-related loan schemes have also been extended until the end of March.  

Click here for more information about the schemes.