What is the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA)?
The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) gives support to people who have lost their job and want to start their own business. To qualify you must be getting Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) or Jobseeker’s Benefit Self-Employed (JBSE). There is no qualifying period, which means you do not need to have been getting JB or JBSE for a certain period of time. However, you will not qualify if you are getting JB or JBSE and working part-time.
The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance is paid instead of your JB or JBSE for a maximum of 9 months. It ends when your entitlement to JB or JBSE ends (that is at either 9 or 6 months). 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.
