Scheme allows you to keep full social welfare payment while working
A scheme is available that allows those eligible to keep their full social welfare payment while they are working. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme encourages and supports people getting certain social welfare payments to become self-employed. If you take part in the BTWEA scheme you can keep a reducing percentage of your social welfare payment for up to two years. If you qualify for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, you can keep 100 per cent of your social welfare payment for the first year and 75 per cent for the second year. This includes increases for a qualified adult and qualified children. Here's everything you need to know about the scheme: Who is eligible for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance? You can qualify for a Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) if you are: 1. Setting up as self-employed in a new business that has been approved in advance in writing by an Employment Personal Adviser (formerly known as a Case Officer) and a Local Development Company (see 'How to apply' below) and 2. Getting Jobseeker's Benefit (JB)* or Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) continuously for at least 9 months (234 days). If you have been getting either of these payments continuously for 12 months (312 days) immediately before BTWEA, you can have a maximum of 30 days off the Live Register during this time (*with an underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance - see 'Jobseeker's Benefit and underlying entitlement to JA' below) or Getting one of the qualifying payments below continuously for at least 9 months: Jobseeker's Transitional payment (JST) One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) Blind Pension Disability Allowance Carer's Allowance (full rate) - having stopped caring duties Deserted Wife's Benefit/Allowance Farm Assist - the new business cannot be in relation to the farm holding or the continuation of an existing business Invalidity Pension Incapacity Supplement Widow's/Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension or Qualifying from Illness Benefit: 3 out of last 5 years in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment or Combination of OFP/JST/JA continuously for 9 months Jobseeker's Benefit and underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance If you are on Jobseeker's Benefit, you need to have an underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance in order to qualify for BTWEA. Having an underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance means that you would pass the means test and other criteria for Jobseeker's Allowance. You cannot be claim BTWEA when you are in receipt of another primary DSP payment. The only exception to this is if you are getting BTWEA and you subsequently become entitled to the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension. Being paid the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is paid directly into your bank or building society account each week. The allowance cannot be paid into a mortgage account. You do not have to pay tax, PRSI or Universal Social Charge on the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance but you may have to pay tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge on any income you get from self-employment. You must contact the DSP immediately if your self-employment ends or you take up employment. You are not allowed to enter into paid employment as an employee, either full-time or part-time, while getting BTWEA. Rates of Back to Work Enterprise Allowance If you qualify for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance you can keep the following portion of your social welfare payment, including increases for a qualified adult and qualified children, for a maximum of 2 years: 100% for the 1st year 75% for the 2nd year You can find out more information here. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
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