Help with moving from benefits to work
Starting or running your own business
You may be able to get New Enterprise Allowance to help you:
- start your own business
- develop your business, if you’re already self-employed
Starting your own business
You could get mentoring and an allowance to help you start your own business through New Enterprise Allowance.
You may be eligible if you’re over 18 and either:
- you or your partner get Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance
- you get Income Support and you’re a lone parent, sick or disabled
What you’ll get
You’ll get a mentor who’ll give you advice and support to help you set up your business and start to trade.
Once you’ve made a business plan that your mentor has approved, you:
- may get a weekly allowance worth up to £1,274 over 26 weeks
- can apply for a loan to help with start-up costs
How to get New Enterprise Allowance
Talk to your Jobcentre Plus work coach. They’ll check your business idea and help you if you’re eligible.
Developing your business
If you’re self-employed and getting Universal Credit, you may be able to:
- get a mentor who’ll give you advice and support to help you develop your business
- apply for a start-up loan if your business is less than 2 years old
To find out if you’re eligible for New Enterprise Allowance, contact your work coach by signing in to your Universal Credit account.
If you’re disabled or you have a health condition
You may be able to get extra support through an Access to Work grant.