Professional Artists on Jobseeker’s Allowance
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
If you are a self-employed professional artist getting Jobseeker's Allowance, you can apply for this scheme. 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 for one year.
The rates of payment are the same as for Jobseeker's Allowance.
To qualify for the scheme, you must be aged over 18 and under 66.
You must also:
At least 50% of your income must be derived from your work as a professional artist in the previous year.
Examples include:
When you are being assessed for the scheme, you will be means tested as a self-employed person.
A means test is an assessment of all of your household income, savings, shares, investments or property that you own apart from your own home. Your means test will also include any income that your spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner has.
The department adds your income from all sources (including your income from work) and, from this, calculates the means you have each week.
Your means is used to work out what payment you may receive.
Certain expenses related to your profession are allowable.
The rates of payment are the same as for Jobseeker's Allowance.
You can apply to your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
You will need to provide:
You can collect your weekly Jobseeker’s Allowance payment from your nearest Post Office. You must bring valid photo ID with you to collect your payment.
Any one of the following is considered to be valid photo ID:
If you are already getting Jobseeker’s Allowance and you think you might qualify for the scheme, you can contact your your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office
Operational guidelines describe the processes and procedures that staff in the department follow when carrying out their work.
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