JOBSEEKER’S BENEFIT FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED

The Government is introducing a new social insurance benefit for the self-employed from this November.
The Jobseekers’ Benefit (Self-Employed) will support those who lose their self-employment and who have social insurance.
Galway East TD and Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Seán Canney said: “This was a key issue for me when the Programme for Government was being negotiated.
“I witnessed at first hand the misery suffered by families of the self-employed when business collapsed during the recession.
“It is not before time that we give some support to small and medium-sized businesses, who are the backbone of the economy. I look forward to the speedy introduction of legislation to fulfill another item in the Programme for Government.”
Arrangements are now under way to ensure that legislation and technical and administrative solutions are in place for the new scheme to begin in November.
In recent years, the Government has extended Treatment Benefits and Invalidity Benefit to the self-employed who have sufficient PRSI contributions.
It is estimated that up to 6,500 people could benefit from the new scheme in any one full year.
Those who do not have sufficient contributions will still be able to apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance, which is means-tested.
Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty said: “The introduction of of a new Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme for the self-employed represents the next step in the Government’s work to extend PRSI benefits and will provide an income safety net to thousands of small and medium businesses throughout the country.”
For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639