The government's support for the self-employed during the coronavirus crisis was eagerly anticipated and has been welcomed by business groups - despite some reservations over the criteria used.

But if you are self-employed what can you now expect to receive - and how do you go about claiming it?

Employed? Here's your guide to what you can claim during the outbreak

Run a business? Click here to find out about funding options you can take advantage of

What is the scheme and how long will it last?

Called the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme it is aimed at those who work for themselves but who face financial challenges as a result of the current coronavirus crisis.

Broadly, it looks to bring those who work for themselves in line with the previously announced Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which seeks to prevent firms being forced to make mass redundancies during the pandemic.

Similarly, it will last an initial three months - but the government says it too will be extended if the situation has not eased by then.

The scheme has been designed after extensive engagement with stakeholders including the TUC, the Federation of Small Businesses and IPSE - The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.

What criteria is it using to determine eligibility?

The scheme and the amounts payable will be worth 80% of average monthly trading profit over the last three years - determined by tax returns.

To qualify, you also need to have not exceeded a maximum trading profit of £50,000, on average, over the last three tax years.

It should be noted payments will, like the job retention scheme, be capped at £2,500.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said this should cover 95% of people who receive the majority of income from self-employment.

To qualify, more than half of their income over the last three years needs to have come from self-employment.

If you only started trading after April 6, 2019, then you will not be eligible.

Tax consultant Emma Beynon, from Kent accountants and business advisors Kreston Reeves, warns however: "This is not tax-free income. The payments will form part of your trading profit for the year and be taxed along with the rest of your trading profits through your self-assessment tax returns."

How do I access the funding?

To minimise fraud, says the government, only those who are already in self-employment and meet the above conditions will be eligible to apply.

However, the government advice is not to contact HMRC yet.

HMRC will identify eligible taxpayers and contact them directly with guidance on how to apply once the scheme is operational.

It will cover the three months to May.

Be warned, though, money is not expected to be paid until the beginning of June and will be a single lump sum covering all three months - little comfort for those already experiencing cash flow issues.

The system is not yet in place to process the scheme so patience will be needed.

If cash flow problems will present an issue, the government says the self-employed, impacted by the virus, will be able to claim universal credit or the business continuity loans being offered, if they have a business bank account. But be alert to the potential risks of taking out the loans.

What information is still unclear?

Emma Beynon, a tax consultant at Canterbury-based accountants and business advisors Kreston Reeves, says there remain some concerns.

She explained: "It is hoped the scheme will not be by invitation only as there could well be circumstances where HMRC fails to successfully make contact. Perhaps we will see a fast track for those invited but an alternative route for other self-employed persons?

"If you have started trading on or after April 6 2019 you will not be covered by these measures. For new self-employed businesses there is scope to claim support through benefits.

"Although taxpayers who trade through their own company may consider themselves self-employed these measures do not extend to cover the shareholder directors of personal trading company. The job retention scheme offers some cover to employees but directors are unlikely to benefit as they are central to the ongoing operation of the business.

"Is there a clawback of the grant? You will be required to apply for the grant and this is expected to require self-certification that you have lost trading profits as a result of coronavirus. It has not been clarified, but there would certainly be tax on the grant and potentially if HMRC perceived a fraudulent claim had been made they could recover the full amount and charge penalties."

What did the Chancellor say about the package?

Rishi Sunak, announcing the details during the daily coronavirus briefing on Thursday evening, said of the scheme: "The package for the self-employed I’ve outlined is one of the most generous in the world that has been announced so far. It targets support to those who need help most, offering the self-employed the same level of support as those in work.

"Together with support packages for businesses and for workers, I am confident we now have the measures in place to ensure we can get through this emergency together."

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.