Eligibility Requirements

Who is eligible:

To be eligible for NEIS people must be:

• registered with Centrelink for full-time work
• over 18 years and less than Age Pension age
• receiving a Department of Social Security (DSS) allowance or pension which includes a living allowance component
• not have received NEIS Allowance in the previous two years; or previously for the same business activity
• Are not an undischarged bankrupt

To be eligible for income support under NEIS, proposed businesses must:

• be new and not yet operating on a full-time basis
• be independent and be reputable
• be assessed as commercially viable and recommended for NEIS allowance by a NEIS Advisory Committee
• not compete directly with existing businesses (unless there is an unsatisfied demand for the product or service, or they are to be provided in a new way)
• not buying an existing business or buying into a franchise
• Proof of finances to start the business or access to funds. (NEIS does not provide start up costs).