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Joining a business while on Jobseekers

  • 12-02-2015 2:17pm
    #1
    Supes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5 ✭


    I am currently out of work and collecting JSA. I have been thinking of setting up a company in my field of work.
    Can I set this up and do all of this while still claiming the dole?
    Do I need to declare this to Social Welfare now or can I wait until we are earning to do this? Once we earn I will take myself off but for now there are lots of risks involved in setting this up.


Comments

  • #2
    haveringchick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,380 ✭✭✭haveringchick


    Attend your local SW office and enquire about BTWEA

    http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_and_work/back_to_work_enterprise_allowance.html


  • #3
    INOU: Robbert
    Company Representative Posts: 12 Verified rep ✭INOU: Robbert


    Hi Supes,

    In general the answer to your question is yes...

    You can engage in self-employment while you are in reciept of Jobseekers Allowance - Jobseekers Allowance and Self employment - Working for Work. - You may be engaged in self-employment and still qualify for a Jobseeker’s Allowance payment – provided your overall income stays below a certain amount. In such instances, the number of days you are engaged in self- employment is not relevant. You could qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance even if you are engaged in self-employment every day.

    However, if you are claming JSA you must continue to Genuinely Seek Work (GSW) and be able to prove you are activley seeking work for the Department of Social Protection, if not your payment could be reduced or suspended!

    You do not get 'time off' jobseeking to set up your own business, thats what the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is for. If you contact a local enterprise officer through your local Citizens Information Centre, local employment service (LES) or local Partnership office they can assist you with the process.

    As you will see from the link that haveringchick posted above, you must be in receipt of JSA for a specific period of time to qualify. You cannot 'choose' to remain unemployed for the remainder of any period necessary to qualify for the BTWEA, you must continue to be an active jobseeker while you receive the JSA payment... however...

    In the event you are unsuccessful in finding employment AND you become eligible to qualify for the BTWEA you can look at self-employment and the BTEWA as an option in returning to employment.


    Hope this helps.

    Regards,


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