The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme, is a Department of Social Protection Scheme which supports individuals who are in receipt of qualifying social welfare payments to become self-employed.

If you take part in the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme you can keep a percentage of your social welfare payment for up to 2 years. 

Clare Local Development Company, through SICAP, administers the application phase of the BTWEA scheme.

To qualify for the BTWEA

• You must visit with your Social Welfare Caseworker to see if you are eligible to apply for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance. This is the first step that you should take.
• You must be Getting Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB)* or Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) continuously for at least 9 months (234 days).

If you have been getting either of these payments continuously for 12 months (312 days) immediately before BTWEA, you can have a maximum of 30 days off the Live Register during this time), or

• You must be in receipt of One Parent Family Payment, Invalidity Pension, Disability Allowance, Carers Allowance, Widows Pension for 12 months, or
• You must be in receipt of Illness Benefit for 3 years.

Note: The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme is a two year scheme with 100% entitlement in year one and 75% in year two.

For more information visit Welfare.ie or Citizens Information