Information available for the self-employed

THE Citizens Information Service in Clare has seen a substantial increase in the number of self-employed people using their services.
Self-employed people are not entitled to Jobseeker’s Benefit or redundancy payments. However, according to Paul Woulfe, manager of the Clare service, there are still options available.
“There is a perception out there that they may not be entitled to a Jobseeker payment. However, they can apply for a means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA). Self-employed people do not need to de-register as self-employed to get Jobseeker’s Allowance. They can continue to operate a business and work while getting JA, provided the income limits are not exceeded.”
He went on, “The class S PRSI contributions paid by self-employed people mainly cover long-term benefits, such as the State pension. Many self-employed people are unaware that they are not covered for short-term benefits. Many feel it is unjust that they do not have the option of paying a social insurance contribution that would cover them for periods of unemployment or illness/disability.”
However, assessing the means of self-employed people can be complex. The Citizens Information Board has developed a new website, Selfemployedsupports.ie, and a booklet, Supports and Information for the Self-employed. These resources cover social welfare supports, explain tax implications and employment law and outline other options available.
Selfemployedsupports.ie addresses the information deficits identified in the 2012 CIB social policy report Hard Times for the Self-employed: Citizens Information and MABS Experience. It provides clear and accessible information on issues such as voluntary contributions, means tests for social welfare payments and entitlements under class S PRSI. It also covers secondary benefits, such as medical cards and rent supplement. Additional options for the self-employed, such as a return to education, training or work are also covered.
The Supports and Information for the Self-employed booklet is available free of charge at local Citizens Information Centres, MABS offices, online at selfemployedsupports.ie or by contacting Ennis CCI at 0761 075260.