Need help? Advice during COVID-19 crisis Employment advice What if I am self-employed but I am too ill to work or I am self-isolating? If you are self-employed you are not eligible for SSP. However, the Government have made it easier for self-employed people to claim for Universal Credit (UC) or new style Employment and Support Allowance. If you are eligible for new style Employment and Support Allowance, it will now be payable from day 1 of sickness, rather than day 8, if you have COVID-19 or are advised to self-isolate.