Free · official rates · checked 25 September 2026

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance calculator

Starting a business from a social welfare payment? See what you’d keep over two years on BTWEA, or nine months on STEA, plus the Enterprise Support Grant. Then build a plan to make it work.

Year 1 · 100%

€0

a week

Year 2 · 75%

€0

a week

Total over 2 years

€0

Enterprise Support Grant

€0

up to €2,500; you pay 20%

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A month-by-month plan for your start-up support
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How BTWEA works

If you’ve been on a qualifying payment for at least 9 months, you can start an approved new business and keep 100% of your payment in year one and 75% in year two. An Intreo adviser and a Local Development Company approve it in writing before you start trading.

Make every month of your support count

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BTWEA or STEA?

If you get Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit, the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance keeps your weekly rate for up to 9 months. Everyone approved can also apply for the Enterprise Support Grant towards start-up costs.

Questions

How much do you keep on the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance?+

100% of your social welfare payment in year one and 75% in year two, including increases for a qualified adult and children. It is not taxable.

Who can get BTWEA?+

People who have been on a qualifying payment such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment or Disability Allowance for at least 9 months, starting a new business approved in writing before they trade.

I’m on Jobseeker’s Benefit. What can I get?+

The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance: your same weekly rate for up to 9 months while you start an approved business. There is no minimum time on the payment.

What is the Enterprise Support Grant?+

Up to €2,500 on BTWEA (€1,000 on a 9-month STEA) towards costs like equipment, insurance and marketing. You pay at least 20% of each cost yourself.

Sources, checked 25 September 2026

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"Back to Work Enterprise Allowance calculator (2026)", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/ie/back-to-work-enterprise-allowance-calculator/ (updated 25 September 2026)