Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Ireland 2026 — Keep Your Welfare While Starting a Business
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance in Ireland
BTWEA lets long-term unemployed people keep 100% of their social welfare payment in year 1 and 75% in year 2 while starting a self-employed business. Here is who qualifies, how much you keep, and what you need to apply.
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance — At a glance
- Year 1 payment
- 100% of qualifying payment
- Year 2 payment
- 75% of qualifying payment
- Duration
- 2 years maximum
- Min. time on welfare
- 9–12 months
- Business plan required
- Yes — assessed for viability
- Enterprise Support Grant
- Up to €2,500 (year 1)
Key facts — BTWEA 2026
How much can you keep?
| Year | % of welfare kept | Example: JA €232/week |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 100% | €232/week |
| Year 2 | 75% | €174/week |
| After Year 2 | 0% | Payment stops |
While on BTWEA, any income you earn from your new business does not affect your BTWEA payment. You receive both — your percentage of welfare plus whatever you earn from the business.
Who qualifies?
- Receiving Jobseeker's Allowance for at least 9 months (or 12 months for some payments)
- Also qualifies from: One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, Carer's Allowance, Back to Education Allowance
- Setting up a genuinely new business as self-employed
- Must get approval before starting the business — retrospective applications are not accepted
- Must have a viable business plan
Enterprise Support Grant — up to €2,500
BTWEA participants may also apply for the Enterprise Support Grant (ESG) in year 1. This is a one-off grant of up to €2,500 for genuine business start-up costs:
- Equipment or tools
- Software or website costs
- Professional training
- Insurance
- Marketing materials
Apply for the ESG through your Intreo Centre while on BTWEA. It is not automatic — you must request it separately and provide receipts or quotes for the expenses.
How to apply for BTWEA
-
Speak with your Intreo Case Officer before starting
BTWEA approval must be obtained before you begin trading. Contact your local Intreo Centre and tell your case officer you want to explore BTWEA. Do not register as self-employed or start trading first.
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Prepare a business plan
A viable business plan is required. Your local Enterprise Office (LEO) can help you prepare one — they offer free business advice and planning workshops. Your Intreo Centre can refer you.
-
Submit your BTWEA application
Once your business plan is approved by Intreo, submit the BTWEA form. Your application is assessed for viability, your welfare history is verified, and approval is given before you start.
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Start your business and receive the BTWEA payment
Once approved, register as self-employed with Revenue (Tax Registration form TR1), start your business, and your BTWEA payment continues for up to 2 years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance?
A scheme for long-term welfare recipients starting a new business. You keep 100% of your welfare payment in year 1 and 75% in year 2, on top of any business income you earn.
How much can I keep?
Year 1: 100% of your qualifying payment (e.g. €232/week if on Jobseeker's Allowance). Year 2: 75% (€174/week). Any business income you earn is on top — it does not reduce BTWEA.
Who qualifies?
People on Jobseeker's Allowance or similar payments for at least 9 months who are starting a new self-employed business. Must have approval before starting.
Do I need a business plan?
Yes. A viable business plan is required and reviewed by your Intreo Centre before approval. Local Enterprise Offices offer free help preparing one.
What is the Enterprise Support Grant?
A one-off grant of up to €2,500 for essential start-up costs (equipment, software, insurance, training). Apply separately through Intreo in year 1.
Can I apply after I start my business?
No. You must get BTWEA approval before you start trading or register as self-employed. Retrospective applications are rejected.
What happens after 2 years?
The payment stops. If your business income is not enough to sustain you, you may be able to claim a means-tested payment. If you have PRSI contributions, Jobseeker's Benefit may be an option.
- You must apply and get approval before you start trading — this is the most common mistake. Starting your business first and then applying will result in rejection.
- The business must be genuinely new. You cannot use BTWEA to return to a previous employer or re-enter work you have already been doing. It must be a new self-employed business.
- The Enterprise Support Grant of €2,500 is not automatic — you must apply for it separately through your Intreo Centre and provide proof of eligible costs.
- Business income you earn does not reduce your BTWEA payment during the 2 years. You receive both — your percentage of welfare and your business earnings.
- After 2 years, the payment stops completely. Your business needs to be commercially viable by then. Plan for this from day one.
- Your local Enterprise Office (LEO) can help you prepare a business plan at no cost. Ask your Intreo Centre for a referral — many people miss this free resource.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Back to Work Enterprise Allowance rules and qualifying periods.