Jobseekers allowance, self-employed

emereld

Hi all
Just wanted your opinion on whether a trip to the Citizens Advice Centre is beneficial before I begin the application for job-seekers allowance .

I would like to be better prepared for the SW office as they are generally unaccommodating . I have been self-employed since 2006 and had literally no work for the last year and at the point now where savings are literally gone.

I'd appreciate any advice or information from your good selves .

mp22

Start here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/self_employed_and_unemployment.html

While I know that there are some threads here where those who are self employed are having difficulties with the dept of social welfare,but every claim will be treated on its own merits,and if you are polite with the people you deal with they will easier to work with.IMO

emereld

mp22 wrote: »

Start here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/self_employed_and_unemployment.html

While I know that there are some threads here where those who are self employed are having difficulties with the dept of social welfare,but every claim will be treated on its own merits,and if you are polite with the people you deal with they will easier to work with.IMO

I know what you mean, I would just like to be ready with what information is expected and what to ask, think I'll just head into the Citizens Advice tomorrow get the ball rolling.

eastbono

emereld wrote: »

Hi all
Just wanted your opinion on whether a trip to the Citizens Advice Centre is beneficial before I begin the application for job-seekers allowance .

I would like to be better prepared for the SW office as they are generally unaccommodating . I have been self-employed since 2006 and had literally no work for the last year and at the point now where savings are literally gone.

I'd appreciate any advice or information from your good selves .

You can apply for jobseekers allowance which is a means tested payment. The sooner you do this the better once you application for jsa has been registered you can apply for supplementary welfare allowance while your claim for jsa is being processed. You will have to produce 6 months bank statements for all accounts and accounts for business for 2010 to the social welfare inspector. you will probably have to produce the same to the community welfare officer in order to apply for supplemantary welfare alowance. You do not say whether if you are married or have a partner. If you are then any earnings your spouse/partner has from employment will also be assessed for your claim.

emereld

Thanks for that info eastbono some insightful stuff there , no not married and have no dependent children , just a pain in the ass mortgage .

Emilyjones

I've been unemployed for 2 years in October in despite to all my attempts to find a job I've been unsuccessful. Now I've got this business idea and I want to start my own business. Anyone knows how to convert my JA to self employment benefit? And would that be better for me? Appreciate any insight on this.

rev1890

A very good website for those who are self employed or thinking of taking up self employment is http://selfemployedsupports.ie/

phoenix999

Emilyjones wrote: »

I've been unemployed for 2 years in October in despite to all my attempts to find a job I've been unsuccessful. Now I've got this business idea and I want to start my own business. Anyone knows how to convert my JA to self employment benefit? And would that be better for me? Appreciate any insight on this.

It's not as easy as just 'converting' it. You need to apply for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, details here:

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW92/Pages/1WhatistheBacktoWorkEnterpriseAllowance.aspx

Your will need to do a 'Starting your own business course' and draw up a business plan which needs to be approved by your local Job Facilitator at the Welfare office. It can take several months to get approved.

Emilyjones

Thanks for the details very helpful. But do I really have to do the 'Starting your own business course' if I do a business plan on my own?

phoenix999

They generally insist on it. But they are quite short, usually 3 days. You can do it at night too. Your local office will advise you when you apply.

MrFrisp

Emilyjones wrote: »

Thanks for the details very helpful. But do I really have to do the 'Starting your own business course' if I do a business plan on my own?

My Wife started her own business last year and never done that course. It was not even suggested to her.

Maybe it depends on what type of business you are getting into?





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mgbgt1978

eastbono wrote: »

once your application for jsa has been registered you can apply for supplementary welfare allowance while your claim for jsa is being processed. .

However if you a person is self-employed and paying class S PRSI contributions (however small) they are then regarded as being in insurable employment, and are therefore NOT eligible for supplementary welare.
Personal experience of this rule.....unfortunately.

lottie7

I have applied for JSA first time ever as husband is self employed and has no set wage in fact he never brings home anything that we can live on after mortg paid etc. So im currently looking for part time job. I got a form for means test JSA does anyone know the income level you have to be under?