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Professional Artists on Jobseeker’s Allowance
From Department of Social Protection
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From Department of Social Protection
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Professional Artists on Jobseeker’s Allowance is a scheme to support you if you are a self-employed professional artist and you 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 for one year.
To qualify for this scheme, you must:
When you are being assessed for this scheme, you will be means tested as a self-employed person.
At least 50% of your income in the previous year must come from your work as a professional artist. Some examples of work that is counted as income as a professional artist can be found here.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 50% income requirement is examined on a case-by-case basis and may include earnings from 2019.
Some expenses related to your profession are allowed.
The rates of payment are the same as Jobseeker's Allowance.
You can apply for this scheme at 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 a valid photo ID:
If you are already getting Jobseeker’s Allowance and you think you might qualify for this 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.