The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme, is a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Scheme which supports people getting certain 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 be in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance for 312 days (1 year), 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