The Coronavirus: Job Retention Scheme Claim Line opened this morning- 20th April 2020

 Applicants  need to sign in via the Government Gateway and then answer a series of questions and provide information. If you apply by 22 April, the government says you will receive the money by the end of the month.

Step 1: Declaration

Confirmation that you understand and agree to abide by the rules of the scheme.

Step 2: Coronavirus

You are asked – have you furloughed any employees because of the Coronavirus outbreak? 

Remember that to be eligible, the furloughed employee can’t do any work for you.

Step 3. Tax return

Select to confirm either you submit a company tax return or are registered for self assessment

Step 4. Unique taxpayer reference

Input your self assessment unique taxpayer reference.

Step 5: The claim period

 Specify the length of the furlough period (minimum three weeks) by entering the start and end dates.

If the furlough period is longer than a month, you will have to submit another claim when it ends. 

Step 6: Confirmation

Confirm the period you are claiming for.

If you subsequently need to change this answer, you will need to restart and all you answers will be deleted.

Step 7: Number of employees 

Specify the total number of people you are furloughing in the claim period.

Step 8: Amount claimed

Set out the total gross furlough amount, excluding employer NI and pension contributions

Separately, set out the employer NI and pension contributions.

Step 9: Details of each furloughed employee

You must set out the full name and NI number of each employee you have furloughed.

You can also provide their payroll number but this isn’t compulsory. 

If you have furloughed 100 or more employees, you can upload this information in a variety of formats.

Step 10: Bank account

You must provide your UK bank account details – which can be a business or personal account.

The money can’t go to anyone else on your behalf.

Once HMRC have received the claim and checked it is eligible, it will be paid via BACS. 

Step 11: Address and contact details

Provide your full postal address and postcode and the name and telephone number of someone HMRC can contact if they have a query about your claim.

Step 12: Declaration

This requires you to confirm:

• You are claiming costs of employing furloughed employees arising from the health , social and economic emergency resulting from Coronavirus
• Your claim is in accordance with HMRC’s published guidance
• The information you have provided is correct to the best of your knowledge.
• All employees have been paid their wages before the claim was submitted, or will be paid in the next payroll
• If any of this information changes, you will contact HMRC to amend the claim.

If in doubt, get professional advice

If you want a free initial discussion about your circumstances and how QA Law can assist you in completing your application and advising on any aspects of Employment Law, don’t hesitate to get in touch on 033 33 034 680.

Our friendly experts are waiting to assist you, with no obligation.