Back to Work Enterprise Allowance?

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme encourages people getting certain social welfare payments to become self-employed. People taking part in the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme can keep a percentage of their social welfare payment for up to 2 years.

From 1 May 2009, the qualifying period required for BTWEA is reduced from 2 years to 12 months provided you have an underlying entitlement to Jobseekers Allowance. A new Back to Work Allowance Scheme called the Short-term Enterprise Allowance started in May 2009.

You can avail of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance if you are:
Setting up as self-employed in a business that has been approved in advance in writing by a Job Facilitator or Partnership Company

And
Getting a Jobseeker's Allowance for 12 months
Or

Unemployed for 2 years and getting Jobseeker's Benefit. However, if you have an underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance and are unemployed for one year you can qualify for the allowance. If you don't have an underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance, you must have a combination of qualifying social welfare payments for 2 years. Signing on for unemployment credits following your Jobseeker's Benefit will not count towards the qualifying period. Contact your local Social welfare office for details.

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