There was some good news for small business owners and the self employed today as the Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty confirmed that they will be eligible for social welfare payments from November onwards.
Under new proposals outlined in last October’s Budget, those who are operating a small to medium business will be eligible to apply for jobseekers allowance providing they continue to provide insurance contributions.
The new system will now mean that self employed people will be allowed to claim the minimum jobseekers payment of €203 per week should they become unemployed.
Although the Department of Social Protection has yet to outline the exact PRSI contributions requirements for the self employed, Ms Doherty has confirmed that legislation for the change has already begun.
The latest move will now mean that self employed people who have paid enough PRSI contributions will no longer have to be means tested in order to claim jobseekers allowance.