JOBSEEKERS' DIRECTORY
JOBSEEKERS' DIRECTORY
JOBSEEKERS' DIRECTORY
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
SUPPORTS FOR JOBSEEKERS<br />
There is a range of supports available from the Department of Social Protection for unemployed people<br />
who wish to engage in enterprise, education and employment. A summary is set out below. For the most<br />
up-to-date, complete details, contact your Local Social Welfare Office or visit the following web link:<br />
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Pages/unemployed.aspx<br />
Customers who sign-off the Live Register to avail of a short-period of work or training: The Department of<br />
Social Protection operates a fast-tracking system for customers who sign off the Live Register to take up<br />
work for a short period (up to 4 weeks) or to go on a short training course (up to 8 weeks). This ensures<br />
that payment is re-instated without delay.<br />
It is important that you inform your social welfare local office in advance that you are taking up work or<br />
training.<br />
Short-Term<br />
Enterprise<br />
Allowance<br />
(STEA)<br />
SUPPORTS FOR ENTERPRISE<br />
If you are getting Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) and you wish to set up an enterprise, you may qualify<br />
immediately for the Short Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA.) This would replace your JB with a<br />
weekly payment of a similar amount for the remainder of your JB payment period for a<br />
maximum of either 9 or 12 months, depending on your JB entitlement. Certain secondary<br />
benefits such as your medical card may be retained. The business must be approved in advance<br />
by a Facilitator based in a Social Welfare Local Office or your Integrated Local Development<br />
Company (ILDC)/Partnership Company if you reside in a Partnership or ILDC area.<br />
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/BackToWork/Pages/STEA.aspx<br />
Back to Work<br />
Enterprise<br />
Allowance<br />
(BTWEA)<br />
If you are getting a social welfare unemployment payment for at least 12 months and you wish<br />
to set up an enterprise, you may qualify for Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) for<br />
two years. A person on jobseeker’s benefit must have an underlying entitlement to Jobseekers<br />
Allowance (JA) – otherwise the qualifying period is two years. BTWEA would replace your<br />
current social welfare payment with a weekly payment of similar amount in year one and 75%<br />
of that amount in year two. Certain secondary benefits such as your medical card may be<br />
retained. The business must be approved in advance by a Facilitator based in a Social Welfare<br />
Local Office or your Integrated Local Development Company (ILDC)/Partnership Company if you<br />
reside in a Partnership or ILDC area. If you opt for STEA, you cannot transfer to BTWEA.<br />
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/BackToWork/EnterpriseAllowance/Pag<br />
es/ea.aspx<br />
Technical<br />
Assistance &<br />
Training Fund<br />
In certain circumstances, grants can be made from the Technical Assistance and Training Fund<br />
to BTWEA and STEA claimants who are establishing an enterprise. Examples include training (in<br />
areas such as bookkeeping and accounts, marketing and computer training). A contribution<br />
towards the cost of Public liability Insurance and small items of essential equipment may also<br />
be made. This scheme is operated by Department of Social Protection Facilitators. You do not<br />
have an automatic entitlement to access the Technical Assistance and Training Fund<br />
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/JobseekerSupports/BackToWork/EnterpriseAllowance/Pag<br />
es/ea.aspx<br />
SUPPORTS FOR EMPLOYMENT