COVID-19: Application for Self-Employed Persons Income Relief Scheme (SIRS)- PART 1

*UPDATED: PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A LIMITED NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO CAN ENTER THE APPLICATION SYSTEM AT ANY ONE POINT IN TIME, SO PLEASE BE PATIENT!

Note that application is from 9am- 9pm (previously till 10pm) daily and there's no deadline for application.

Application for Self-Employed Persons Income Relief Scheme (SIRS) is finally open! I am sure many Self-Employed persons out there are having a hard time during this Covid-19 situation, and even though the quarterly payout of S$3,000 may not be a significant amount, it really helps a lot for many of us.

Eligible Self-Employed Persons (SEPs) will receive three quarterly cash payouts of S$3,000 each in end-May, July and October 2020. SEPs aged 37 (as at 31st December 2020) and over who declared positive Net Trade Income to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore / CPF Board for Work Year 2018 do not need to apply. They will automatically receive SIRS.

So before you get excited and start applying, please prepare the relevant documents on hand:

• If you are an SEP before 1st January 2020:
• If you are an SEP from 1st January 2020 onward (but on or before 25th March 2020): Proof of income from self-employment e.g. contracts for service, tax invoices billed to service buyers or receipts issued for services provided for period 1st January – 25th March 2020
• Other documents to show financial hardships (if any)
• If you are married, please also prepare the following documents: Spouse’s IRAS Notice of Assessment / Consolidated Statement Form B / Consolidated Statement Form B1 for Year of Assessment 2020 / CPF yearly statement for 2019 if spouse is not working and any income documents for January - March 2020 (e.g. pay slip, contract for service etc.)
• Get you SingPass login ready, or apply here https://www.singpass.gov.sg/ (Click on FAQs > Getting started > Where can I get help?)
• Go to https://www.ntuc.com.sg/sirs/ and “Apply Now”. Available daily from 9am to 10pm
• Click on “Submit A New Application”
• Login with your SingPass
• Fill in the necessary information, upload your documents and click “Submit”

In the event that you do not meet all the eligibility criteria but face valid and extenuating circumstances, your application may still be approved for SIRS. However, the payout may be moderated accordingly, i.e. less than S$3,000 per quarter.

If your application is approved, NTUC will forward a digital declaration form for you via text message in June and September to complete and return before the next payout tranche. This is to confirm your continued eligibility for SIRS.

FAQs

I started as a SEP in 2019. Can I apply?

• Singaporean SEPs who meet all of the eligibility criteria, are aged 37 (as at 31 Dec 2020) and above, and declared positive NTI to IRAS or CPFB do not need to apply for SIRS. This group of SEPs will be notified by CPF Board via SMS and letter in 3rd/4th week of May; payouts will be made directly to this group of SEPs in end May.
• The following groups are eligible for SIRS but will not automatically receive their payouts. They will need to apply to NTUC from 27 April 2020 onwards:
1. Meet all the eligibility criteria and are aged 37 (as at 31 Dec 2020) and above but did not declare Net Trade Income for work year 2018; or
2. Meet all the eligibility criteria but are aged 21 to 36 (as at 31 Dec 2020)
• SEPs who have marginally missed one of the eligibility criteria can also submit an application to NTUC for consideration.
• SEPs can verify if they are eligible for SIRS via the online Eligibility Checker at: www.ntuc.com.sg/SIRS. (note that this is still a pre-launch site)

What can I do if I had mistakenly filed my tax return in Employee capacity, not SEP capacity?

• You can seek help from IRAS. Please refer to this link for steps:
  https://www.iras.gov.sg/irashome/Individuals/Locals/Filing-your-taxes/Making-Changes-After-Filing/

Can I apply for SIRS if I started working as an SEP between 1 Jan 2020 to 25 Mar 2020?

• Yes. However, you need to submit proof to NTUC that you were a full-time SEP during this period.
• You will need to submit proof of income from self-employment e.g. contracts for service, tax invoice billed to service buyers or receipts issued for services provided for period 1 January 2020 – 25 March 2020.

Will I still get the SIRS payout if I register to be an SEP after 25 Mar 2020?

• Individuals who did not earn income as SEPs on and before 25 Mar 2020 will not be eligible.
• Meanwhile, if you require urgent financial assistance, you can contact the ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000, or visit your nearest Social Service Office by checking here.
1. You can now apply for the Temporary Relief Fund at all Social Service Offices (SSOs) or Community Centres. Download the TRF application form at https://www.msf.gov.sg/assistance/Pages/covid19relief.aspx, and submit completed forms in the drop-off boxes at your nearest SSO/CC. The application period is from 1 April to 30 April 2020.

Can I appeal to receive SIRS?

• If you meet the criteria to apply, you must ensure that you have filed your tax returns for Work Year 2019 and keep a copy of the Notice of Assessment 2020 or Consolidated Statement Form B. You may submit your application on www.ntuc.com.sg/SIRS from 27 April onwards.f you meet the criteria to apply, you must ensure that you have filed your tax returns for Work Year 2019 and keep a copy of the Notice of Assessment 2020 or Consolidated Statement Form B. You may submit your application on www.ntuc.com.sg/SIRS from 27 April onwards.

If my NTI was over 100k in 2018 but less than 100k in 2019, and I am above 37 year-old, can I appeal?

• Yes, if this is the only criteria you miss, please file your taxes for 2019 and appeal with all required supporting documents.

When will I be notified of the outcome of the application after submitting my online application to NTUC?

• Generally, you will be notified within 30 days from when you submit your application.

How can I get more help? 

• Those who need urgent financial assistance may:
1. Approach a Social Service Office (SSO) or Community Centre (CC) for further information. You can contact ComCare hotline 1800-222-0000 or visit your nearest Social Service Office by checking www.msf.gov.sg/dfcs/sso/default.aspx
1. You can now apply for the Temporary Relief Fund at all Social Service Offices (SSOs) or Community Centres. Download the TRF application form at www.go.gov.sg/msf-covid19-support, and submit completed forms in the drop-off boxes at your nearest SSO/CC. The application period is from 1 April to 30 April 2020.
2. From 1 May 2020, you can apply for the COVID-19 Support Grant if you have lost your job.
2. Union members may also apply to the NTUC Care Fund (COVID-19) for a one-off cash relief.
• Lower-income SEPs who are already receiving WIS can also benefit from the Workfare Special Payment, comprising two payments of $1,500 each, which will be paid in July and October 2020.
• SEPs who face economic hardship after SIRS and the Workfare Special Payment can also apply for financial assistance under ComCare. Their circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• The Resilience Budget announced by DPM Heng (26 Mar 2020) also has other support measures for households. The Care and Support – Cash payout was tripled, and parents with at least one Singaporean child will each receive an additional $300 in cash. You can visit www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2020/budget-measures/care-and-support-package for more details.
• Under the Solidarity Budget (6 Apr 2020), all adult Singaporeans will receive the Solidarity Payment, a one-off cash payout of $600.
• In total, the Resilience and Solidarity Budgets will give cash payouts of up to $1,600 per Singaporean in 2020.

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THIS POST CONTINUATION  COVID-19: Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme, What's Next? (Part 2)

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