If you are an American who is currently self-employed,you might not know that there is a self-employment assistance option available for you. This program was designed to provide workers that are currently dislocated with a chance at early re-employment. Eligible unemployed workers have the opportunity to use this self-employed assistance option to create their own employment through their own small business. In this context, self-employment means that you own a business and you are currently working on moving it forward.
You might be a little nervous about being your own boss. As your own boss, you can arrange your own schedule and your workload. But, you are responsible for every aspect of the business and you need to handle any disasters that surprisingly take place. In that case, you need to think about every little detail about your business, because it is completely up to you. You do not have the option of looking to your boss to get you out of a tight spot. Now, you are the boss. With self-employment, you need to be very responsible. But, the best part of this assistance option is that you do not have to do it on your own. The Federal Government offers self-employed individuals assistance to help get their business off the ground.
Self-Employment Assistance Programs: What are They?
Self-employment assistance options are welfare programs that provide assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners and help them move forward. If you are interested in establishing an online marketing agency or selling clothes from your closet, then you can still refer to yourself as an entrepreneur. You do not have to worry. The program will not be strict about the type of business you own. These self-employment assistance options attempt to guarantee that your business will not fail and is steadily expanding. You will need to meet the eligibility requirements to apply for these programs. Once you qualify for the program, you can get the help you need.
According to the United States Department of Labor, “self-employment Assistance offers dislocated workers the opportunity for early re-employment. The program is designed to encourage and enable unemployed workers to create their own jobs by starting their own small businesses.” The Federal Government funds and supports the Self-Employment Assistance Program. However, you will find that the state and local governments are in charge of the management and administration of the program. You should keep in mind that these programs are not mandatory; states have the right not to participate. In this case, you will need to make sure that your state is involved in a self-employment assistance program, before you decide to pull the trigger and apply.
How Do These Self-Employment Assistance Programs Operate?
You are probably wondering about how the Self-Employment Assistance Program operates. The process is quite simple and it does not require a lot of work, on your part. The Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Program offers allowances on a weekly basis for small business-owners and entrepreneurs until they are able to get their business up and running. Instead of getting unemployment benefits, the Self-Employment Assistance Program offers weekly allowances to small business-owners that are actively doing their best to grow their business.
The application process of the SEA Program is the same as with unemployment benefits. You will need to file a claim for each time you require a weekly fund. As mentioned above, you will need to be actively working on your business and nothing else. This means that you cannot look for other jobs while you are applying for the program. If you want to file a claim for your weekly allowance from the Self-Employment Assistance Program, then you should reach out to your state’s unemployment insurance program office.
Typically, the application process could take approximately three weeks to finalize. Within three weeks, you will be able to find out whether you qualify for the program or not. Also, you will be able to know whether you will receive your weekly allowance. For potential applicants, you could receive an eligibility letter that notifies you on whether you qualify or not. Make sure to keep in mind that there are eligibility requirements that you need to meet. These eligibility requirements are similar to the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits.
Why Do You Need Self Employment Assistance as a Business Owner and What Can You Benefit from It?
The Self-Employment Assistance Program can be a good opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business-owners. The SEA Program provides eligible workers with an allowance per week that helps them to hit the ground running. Everyone knows that starting a business can be a bit challenging and getting it off the ground is even more challenging. This is why you should really think about applying for the Self-Employment Assistance Program. It could provide the assistance you need to move forward with your business and keep your business afloat. Additionally, you will need to enroll in a training course that is related to the business world, for the SEA program. This shows that you can remain on-track with the ever-changing business world and still remain 100% focused on your business.
With the Self-Employment Assistance Program, you have the chance to focus on expanding your business and you will not be sidetracked with another job. Typically, entrepreneurs and small business-owners struggle with the idea of dividing their time. Entrepreneurs and small business owners do not have the capacity to put in their 100% to their business, especially when it is starting out. This is why the Self-Employment Assistance Program is important; it removes any distractions on your part and allows you to focus.
Common Concerns You Could Across with the Self-Employment Assistance Program
You might find that there are drawbacks to the Self-Employment Assistance Program. The disadvantage to a self-employment assistance program is that you must only rely on the weekly allowances as your source of income. As part of the eligibility requirements, you cannot be actively looking for work or a job. This means that you will need to survive on the weekly allowance the Program gives you and nothing else. Additionally, you might notice that the assistance program focuses only on small business-owners and entrepreneurs. If you ever decide that you want to make a career change, then you will automatically be disqualified for the SEA allowance.
Also, self-employment can be high pressure for the owner, mental health-wise. You could be stressed out, overworked, and more. With the Self-Employment Assistance Program, they do not offer services to provide assistance for your mental well-being. It is up to you to keep yourself in check in that department. As you already know, you are the boss now. You need to remind yourself to take a break every once in a while; it will give you a chance to unwind and rest up. Remember that what is good for you, is good for your business too!
Can Self-Employed Workers Claim Unemployment Benefits?
For those who receive the SEA benefits, you will receive a Subsistence Expense Allowance (SEA), instead of traditional unemployment benefits. The main aim of a Self-Employment Assistance Program is to offer support for individuals who are working on becoming self employed. If you qualify for the program, you could get allowances every week while you are working on your business.
As mentioned above, these SEA programs are not mandatory for each state. These voluntary programs are only available in the following states: Delaware, New York, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Mississippi. If you want to know what assistance options you can apply for in your state, then you can find out online. The United States Department of Labor (DoL) offers several resources on their website, but you could look for the information at the State Workforce Agency in your area. The Agency can offer information you need and provide assistance with the application process. But, that is only possible if this program is available.
On the other hand, you cannot receive unemployment benefits AND the weekly Subsistence Expense Allowance (SEA) at the same time. Since the eligibility requirements are different for each program, you can only receive one type of benefit.
Eligibility Requirements for the Self-Employment Assistance Programs
Every state and program has their own eligibility requirements that you need to meet. There are general guidelines that can provide assistance on your eligibility status. First of all, you need to qualify to get regular unemployment benefits under State law. But, if you take part in self-employment activities, then you will still qualify for the Program. These activities include training programs on technical training, business counseling, entrepreneurial assistance, etc. If you are starting your own business, then this could be a great opportunity for you. On the other hand, if the program does not interest you, then you can always apply for unemployment benefits.
In order to qualify for the program, you will need to enroll in a training program that the Employment Security Department approves. Additionally, the Program needs to identify that you are an individual that ran out of benefits or that you qualify for a Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT).
How to Apply for a Self-Employment Assistance Program?
In order to apply for a Self-Employment Assistance Program, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements. If you are eligible, then you should reach out to your state’s unemployment insurance agency to file a claim for your allowance. You need to remember that the process of the SEA Program is similar to unemployment benefits. Similar to unemployment benefits, you will need to apply every week for the benefits. This means that it is not just a one-time application. If you are in a situation where you do not need these allowances anymore or you are no longer eligible, then you will not receive the weekly allowances.
The application is pretty simple, with all of the general questions you could find in any form. You will need to state what type of business you own and if you already have a business or not. Additionally, the application will need information on your old job where you have the most experience in and how long you worked in that job. You also need to mention your last three occupations, the start date, and the end date. Also, the application needs for you to mention any injuries or illnesses that you may have that stops you from going back to work. If you want to know what a standard version of the Self-Employment Assistance Program application looks like, then you can find it here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are a small business owner and you need help with your business, then you should consider the Self-Employment Assistance Program. You will not lose anything, if you apply. Just make sure that you are eligible for the program. You will receive assistance in the form of weekly allowances.
