Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

537. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible for a self-employed person whose business has ceased to claim jobseeker's allowance, jobseeker's assistance or jobseeker's benefit, and their entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46651/13]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

557. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the entitlements that exist for self-employed person's that are made unemployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46734/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 557 together.

Self-employed persons are liable for pay related social insurance (PRSI) at a rate of 4%, which entitles them to access long-term benefits such as state pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory). This compares to employees in respect of whom a combined 14.75% rate, under full-rate PRSI Class A, is paid giving entitlement to the full range of social insurance benefits.

In general, where persons do not qualify for social insurance benefits they may claim means tested social assistance payments. For example, any person of working age who does not qualify for jobseeker’s benefit may claim means tested jobseeker’s allowance. Subject to means and other qualifying conditions, self-employed persons may claim jobseeker’s allowance if their business ceases or there is reduced demand for their services. Where a person or their spouse engages in self-employment, income from that employment is assessable as means, which will typically reduce the amount of jobseeker’s allowance payable.

Typically over 80% of jobseeker’s allowance claims from self-employed persons have been awarded over recent years.