Checklist: information for self-employed people
If you are self-employed and have had a downturn in business and a reduction in your income you can use the links and lists below to check out your entitlements.
| Setting up a business | Becoming self-employed and Setting up a business give you a broad overview of the factors involved in setting up a business, including information on types of self-employment, tax, PRSI, legal issues and sources of support. |
| Supports for unemployed people | Back to Work Enterprise Allowance |
| Problems with self-employment | If you are no longer earning enough from self-employment, or your business has to close down, you may qualify for a social welfare payment. You do not need to deregister as self-employed to get a payment. |
| Getting a social welfare payment | Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) (for people with sufficient
PRSI contributions)
Claiming for an adult dependant |
| Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme | Additional Needs Payments |
| Maintaining your social insurance record | Becoming a voluntary contributor |
Getting credit |
Microfinanceireland.ie is a website for small businesses looking for information about financing or funding their business. If you have a small or medium business and your application for credit is refused you may be able to apply to the Credit Review Office to have your case reviewed. |
| Checking your employment status | Code of Practice for determining Employment or Self- Employment status of Individuals (pdf) |
| Education and training | Back to Education Programme |
| Employment support schemes | There are a number of schemes to support people who are unemployed and want to get back to work. |
| Other sources of information | Local Enterprise Offices |