On JA - want to start self employment

MrScootch

Hi

I'm on JA, not long enough to qualify for the enterprise allowance thing but I want to try a few things to make a few quid for myself.
If I only made €50 a week but claimed €50 a week less from the dole I'd be thrilled! (Well, it'd be a start anyway.)

The problem is it's all a bit scary, from what I gather they come out and means test you based on your projected earnings for the next six months (or maybe it's a year). Well how the feck am I supposed to know!? Sod all? €2?

Has anyone here been through this? Is it better to keep them out of it and start a Ltd. company? I heard of someone being quoted €800 by an accountant to sign off a set of basic yearly accounts.

Obviously I don't want to lose my benefits but I don't want to be afraid to start something because of that!

MistyCheese

To apply for BTWEA you have to submit a business plan to your Job Facilitator along with a completed BTW 2 form. This must be approved before you start your business. You must also register as self-employed with the Revenue.

You can get a business plan template here. The link you'll need is near the bottom of the page and is a Word document. Reading over this will tell you what information they are looking for, including projected earnings, how often you plan to do your accounts and also things like "what else can you do if the business is slow to take off?" and "what features of your business will you stress to potential clients?"

If you get approved for the allowance you won't be called in to prove your earnings. However if you are in reciept of Rent Supplement you will need to go into your CWO every three months to keep them informed as if you are earning too much you will no longer be entitled to the supplement. The BTWEA is 100% of your JA payment for the first twelve months and then reduces to 75%.

king size mars bar

would love to b selfemployed and this BTWEA seems a great way to get up and running spec in my line of work, but i think my time on JA would not meet the requirements.

MistyCheese

Sorry, I should've said how long you need to be on JA for; 12 months. You could also apply if you have been in reciept of Jobseeker's Benefit for 12 months, but you would actually also need to meet the requirements to qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance too.

No, I didn't make that up and I'm not drunk, what it means in simple English is you have to pass the means test for Jobseeker's Allowance, even if you are on Jobseekers Benefit.

king size mars bar

would they take time spent on JA or JB over a period of time or all together ie one long period 13 months together or add up periods over say 2/3 years. hope that makes sense

MistyCheese

It doesn't specifically say that it has to be 12 months continuously but usually that would be the way it works. You'll have to ask your Job Facilitator as entrance to the scheme is at their discretion.

Good luck.