HMRC has now started contacting clients eligible for Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) payments for March, April and May. 

It has repeated its previous “don’t call us, we’ll call you” advice, but has now stated that it is “inviting customers or their agents” to check their eligibility for SEISS.

Those who wish to check their status on HMRC’s portal will need their National Insurance number and their Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). They should also ensure their details are up to date in their Government Gateway account.

Eligible claimants will receive a taxable grant worth 80% of their average trading profits in the last three years, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month. The money will be paid in a single instalment.

Claims will open on 13 May and those eligible “will have the money paid into their bank account by 25 May or within six working days of completing a claim”, according to the government’s website.

To be eligible, claimants must earn at least half their income through self-employment and have trading profits of “no more than” £50,000 a year. They must also have traded in 2018/19 and submitted their tax return on or before 23 April 2020 for that year.

HMRC said it would contact clients “by email, text message or letter”.

You can check your eligibility here.