General Information
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme encourages 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.
You can qualify for a Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) if you are:
- Setting up as self-employed in a business that has been approved in advance in writing by your local Partnership Company (Galway Rural Development)
and
- Getting one of the qualifying Social Welfare payments for at least 12 months
- Help available to those starting a business
Your Enterprise Officer can give you advice and support in developing your business idea into a business that can begin trading with the support of the BTWEA. Business Training Programmes are run throughout the year at various locations throughout county Galway.
If you qualify for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance you can keep the following portion of your social welfare payment, including increases for a qualified adult and qualified children, for a maximum of 2 years:
- 100% for the 1st year
- 75% for the 2nd year
Secondary benefits
You can keep your secondary benefits (apart from Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplement) for as long as you are getting the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance provided your household income is less than €317.43 gross per week. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is paid directly into your bank or building society account each week.
