Short Term Enterprise Allowance

The Short Term Enterprise Allowance is available to people who are receiving Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB)or Jobseeker’s Benefit Self-Employed (JBSE)and wish to start their own business. You do not have to be receiving Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Benefit Self-Employed for a specified period of time to qualify.

You cannot avail of the STEA scheme if you are receiving any other type of social welfare payment, however, if you are getting the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), you can apply to transfer to JB or JBSE to access the Short Term Enterprise Allowance.

Short-Term Enterprise Allowance is paid instead of your Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Benefit Self-Employed for a maximum of 9 months. It ends when your entitlement to JB or JBSE ends.

The STEA will be paid at the same rate as your JB or JBSE, including any increases for child dependents. You will need to prepare a business plan, and have it approved in advance. The Short Term Enterprise Allowance is not subject to PRSI or Universal Social Charge but it is taxable.

How to Apply

  • To apply for the Short Term Enterprise Allowance, complete application form STEA1.
  • You should return form STEA1 to the Case Officer in your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
  • The Case Officer will look at your business proposal and may discuss certain aspects of it with you. You may then be referred to your Local Development Company. You must not take up self-employment until you have received written approval from the DSP.
  • If you are accepted on to the Short Term Enterprise Allowance, you must register as self-employed with the Revenue Commissioners.