Monday 16th May is deadline day for applications under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

Applicants have until midnight tonight to submit their application and all supporting evidence, or else face penalties. There are some changes that can be made to applications after this date that will not result in penalties.

By midnight tonight, applicants will not be able to transfer BPS 2016 entitlements or transfer land parcels using the online Rural Payments Service. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) said it should have received the following by midnight:

• active farmer readmission accountant certificate, if required
• young farmer payment: 

+ the new or young farmer form 

+ if you’re a repeat applicant, a copy of the 2015 form and a covering letter confirming no changes to your business structure since you applied last year

• extra entitlements from the national reserve – the new or young farmer form
• entitlements transfers – RLE1 form (if not done online)

Applications for BPS 2016 will still be accepted until 10th June, but farmers applying after 16 May will lose 1% of the value of their claim for every working day after the 16 May deadline their application is delayed.

RPA has a number of centres open at its offices and other locations where farmers can access help with their applications. Farmers are asked to arrive at the centres no later than 10pm on Monday. More information is available from RPA here or by calling the agency on 03000 200 301.

Have you received 2015 BPS payments? RPA said it had made full 2015 payments or bridging payments to all applicants by 1st May, some farmers have contested this claim. If you are entitled to a payment, take our survey on the front page or via the link here.