Publication
Interaction of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme with DSP payments
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
On Tuesday 5 April, the government launched a new pilot scheme to support artists and creative arts workers. The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme (BIA) provides financial support for practicing artists to recognise the value of unpaid work in creative practice.
The pilot scheme is not a Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment or income support. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media are responsible for the policy and administration of the scheme.
The DSP will treat income from this scheme as income from self-employment when carrying out means tests. This means that for certain schemes a percentage of payment from the pilot scheme will not be counted in the means test.
Any PRSI that is due should be charged at the rate and class paid by self-employed people (Class S).
The scheme for Professional Artists on Jobseeker’s Allowance is separate to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme.
This scheme provides support to self-employed professional artists who are are getting Jobseeker's Allowance.
If you qualify, you do not have to take part in the department’s activation programme for one year. This allows you to focus on your artistic work.
More information on the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is available from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
If you are getting a social welfare payment and you are selected to take part in the pilot scheme, please contact the relevant section you are getting your social welfare payment from. Find contact details for your relevant section.