Question re. tradesperson working for himself and JSB

The Big Red Button

A friend of mine who's an electrician has recently lost his job working for a contractor and has been receiving JSB for the past six weeks.

He's now considering going out on his own, as it's unlikely he'll get a job otherwise anytime soon. What he's thinking of doing is getting business cards made up and doing a bit of advertising locally, but waiting a couple of weeks to see if there's any demand before actually starting any work.

He is trying to find out whether he can continue to receive JSB until he actually commences work. His logic being that, until he starts a job for anyone, he is still looking for work as opposed to working.

He has no intention of committing fraud or doing anything illegal, and is planning on calling into the SW office to discuss this with them. I'm just asking, on his behalf, if (a) he's likely to be able to continue to receive JSB after he's started advertising but before he's started any work, and (b) if it doesn't work out and he can't get any work in a couple of months, can he reapply for JSB then?

Thanks!

GER12

To claim JSB you have to be "available for an genuinely seeking full-time work". He will not be able to be self-employed and continue signing-on. If he doesnt get work - he would be able to re-apply for JSB once he meets the social insurance criteria for qualification. If he doesnt he may qualify for JSA which is a means tested payment. He should contact his local citizens information services to get information on exactly where he stands and what he is entitled to. I wouldnt recommend talking to the DSFA... talk to citizens information as the information that they give is totally impartial. There is enterprise allowances - which citizens information should be able to give info on whether he'd qualify.

cee_jay

GER12 wrote: »

To claim JSB you have to be "available for an genuinely seeking full-time work". He will not be able to be self-employed and continue signing-on. If he doesnt get work - he would be able to re-apply for JSB once he meets the social insurance criteria for qualification. If he doesnt he may qualify for JSA which is a means tested payment. He should contact his local citizens information services to get information on exactly where he stands and what he is entitled to. I wouldnt recommend talking to the DSFA... talk to citizens information as the information that they give is totally impartial. There is enterprise allowances - which citizens information should be able to give info on whether he'd qualify.

If you are self employed and qualify for Jobseeker's benefit, you can sign on. However you must sign off for the days you spend working in your own business. Work more than 3 and you will not receive any payment for that week. After you make your claim, expect a deciding officer to interview regarding this and your availability on the other days.
Otherwise, he should enquire re: Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, but he is best to sign on first.

Citizens Information: Graham

Hi all


as cAr0l said, the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is a payment to help people start a business.

It is possible to qualify immediately for the new Short Term Enterprise Allowance scheme. If you qualify, the payment lasts as long as your entitlement to JB.

You can find out more about the scheme here: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/BackToWork/EnterpriseAllowance/Pages/ea.aspx

Graham Long
Citizens Information