I doubt I will hear from them as my income from escorting is so low anyway and I don't work regularly.

I've been self-employed for less than a year and have no tax returns yet so I'm basically screwed and will have to settle for universal credit which is a measly £400-ish a month. Now I'm really worried. 

Frances (and others) could you talk to your bank? You'd likely need to open a business account which does cost more long term if you keep it, but they often have good packages for new business startups and you might be able to get some help (including the business interruption loan mentioned above if they're one of the participating lenders), especially if you have a bit of history with them - a cheap/free overdraft even? But I'd do it right away before everybody else does .

A friend who is also self employed has told me she can’t apply for UC as it will affect the payments coming in June and the grant the self employed can apply for. Does anyone know if this is true? What are you supposed to live on until June if this is the case ?

Thanks x

Yes it says on the HMRC website links etc that in the meantime apply for Universal Credit. What I am not sure about is whether or not this will then be minused from whatever you are due or entitled to in June (or earlier if they can get the scheme up and running earlier), although I imagine so, I guess there is little precedent for any of this.