The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme
The BTWEA scheme helps
unemployed people to become self-employed by letting them keep some
of their Social Welfare benefits for a 4 year period.
If
you qualify for BTWEA you will keep:
- 100% of your social welfare
in year 1, 75% in year 2, 50% in year 3 and 25% in year 4;
- Your medical card for 4 years;
- Rent/mortgage interest supplement
(and other secondary benefits) if your total gross household income/turnover
(this DOES NOT include your BTWEA payment) is less than €317
per week your will retain your payment;
- You may also qualify for other
financial supports to assist you to set up your business such
as grants and loans;
Criteria for Joining the Scheme
To be eligible for
this scheme a person must be signing on the Live Register for 3 years
and be in receipt of Unemployment Assistance, Unemployment Benefit
or Lone Parent's Allowance (1 Year). Applicants in receipt of Farm
Assist (1 Year) Carer's or Disability Allowance are also eligible.
The person's residence and proposed place of work must be in the geographical
area covered by the Donegal Local Development Company. Successful
applicants must register as self-employed with The Revenue Commissioners.
In general, people who
have been receiving one of the following payments for between 12 months
and 3 years [Depending on circumstances and type of payment received]
will be eligible to apply for the scheme.
- Unemployment benefit/assistance;
- One parent family payment, Disability
Allowance, Blind Persons Pension, Carers Allowance, Farm Assist,
Invalidity Pension, or Unemployment Supplement.
- Time spent on CE, FAS Training
or second chance education can be used up to make up the 12 months.
- You must apply for BTWEA before
the self-employment project starts
- In receipt of Back to Work Allowance.
- Qualified Adult of Eligible
Claimant - (Spouse Swap)
DLDC Supports & Assistance Available
One to One
Advice on Starting Your Own Business
This advice is provided through the Enterprise Officers of Donegal
Local Development Company and is available to all clients who complete
an Expression of Interest and are eligible for the Back to Work
Enterprise Allowance Scheme.
Start Your
Own Business Information Days
This support is available to all clients who complete an Expression
of Interest Form and is an essential part of the BTWEA scheme.
Micro Enterprise
Training
On acceptance to the BTWEA scheme you will be invited to attend
this 8 evening course in which you will receive advice and training
in bookkeeping and marketing.
Mentoring
Mentor support is available for clients on the BTWEA to give advice
on business planning and start up.
DEAL Loan
Clients who have accessed the BTWEA scheme are eligible to apply
to this seed capital loan fund administered by the Donegal County
Enterprise Board which provides an interest free loan of up to €6,250
repayable over 3 years.
First Step
Loan
This Loan Fund is aimed specifically at long term unemployed. Maximum
Loan available is €6,350 repayable interest free over 3 years.
Technical
Assistance Grant
This grant towards marketing, small capital equipment and training
can be provided through the Department of Social, Community and
Family Affairs
