possible to get state benefit when self employed?

The Freeman

hey guys,

have just started work with a marketing company hired by airtricity doing direct sales, it is completley commission based so technically i am self employed they say(sole trader), i was told by them that i can still keep my job seekers allowance until my credits run out.

i just rang revenue to confirm a few deails with tax etc. unfortunatley the woman on the phone didn't have a clue and just said that the jobseekers allowance was not there for the self employed and i wasn't entitled to it but i needed to talk to the dole office?

i am going in to the dole office on friday for a chat as that phone conversation did not inspire confidence.

did any of ye have any similar sceario that would be helpful to me regarding information?

cheers in advcance

Xiney

in order to be eligible for jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance, you have to be genuinely seeking and available for work.

Since you are working, regardless of earnings, you are not available for work.

They are probably referring to the Back to work Enterprise allowance, which, if you are on Jobseeker's benefit, is available until your credits run out. However, you need to apply for this. Visit your local social welfare office and make an appointment with an employment facilitator - they handle this. You should also have to sign off while you are working and waiting for BTWEA.

The Freeman

cheers for the info there, i have set up an appt for thursday.