New changes in Back to Work Enterprise Allowance mean you can start your business and retain your social welfare payments.
As and from May 1 2009, a new short-term Enterprise Allowance is available from Social and Family Affairs. If you are in receipt of Job Seekers Benefit, you will be entitled to retain your Job Seekers Benefit and set up your business. Your allowance will not be affected by any income you generate in your business.
You must apply for approval through your local Social Welfare office. The short-term Enterprise Allowance will be paid to you for a maximum of 1 year. It will end when your entitlement to Job Seekers Benefit ends. There is no qualifying period ; you can get immediate access to the allowance.
For further information and application forms you should contact your Job Facilitator in your local Social Welfare office. In Athlone, the contact person is Eamon Fahy, Tel : 09064-92461 and in Mullingar the contact person is Sean Keegan, Tel : 044-9334238.