I am facing the nightmare prospect of having to close my business, I am self employed and had no employees. If I have to close the business I know I do not get the dole.
Is there any support out there, I keep hearing no as my wife is in full time employment. We have 3 kids under 8. I could do with something coming in to pay the bills if I have to close the business and find a new job.
You can apply for Jobseeker's Allowance, however it is means-tested on the household income (in this case your wife's). Depending on her earnings, you may not qualify.
She may be eligible for Family Income Supplement(FIS), again, based on her earnings.
Roughly,assuming you have no huge reserves of capital:
Wife wage 577
Less PRSI. 18
Less disregard 60
Take 60% as means 299.40
Maximum benefit couple+3 children 399
Jsa 399-299 = 100