Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will provide tailored financial support to self-employed cancer patients who are unable to pay themselves sick pay at present.

The Government recognises the challenges presented by COVID-19 for those suffering with cancer, and self-employed cancer patients have access to the current level of unprecedented support for people’s incomes.

Self-employed individuals may be eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) which remains open for applications and has recently been extended. The SEISS Grant Extension was announced as part of the Winter Economy Plan on 24 September. It provides support to the self-employed, by supporting those who were previously eligible for the SEISS, intend to continue trading and, due to COVID-19, are either temporarily unable to carry out their business or actively continuing to trade but are affected by reduced demand. The scheme will last for six months, from November 2020 to April 2021.

The Government is committed to supporting self-employed cancer patients through any period in which they are unable to work. Individuals with a health condition that prevents them from working or preparing for work may be entitled to an extra amount of Universal Credit (UC). In addition, individuals with sufficient National Insurance contributions may be entitled to “new style” Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if they are incapable of work. The Government has relaxed the UC minimum income floor for all self-employed claimants to support the self-employed during this time.

For those requiring further assistance, the SEISS and welfare measures continue to be just part of a comprehensive package of support for self-employed individuals. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants.