Service
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Professional Artists
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
If you are on Jobseeker's Allowance and are a professional artist, you may continue to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance if you continue to satisfy the conditions for the payment. You are exempted from participating in the department’s activation programme for one year only. This allows you to focus on your artistic work for one year.
To get this activation programme exemption you must:
| Artform | Professionals | Certifying Organisations |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Arts | Visual Artists | Visual Arts Ireland |
| Theatre | Actors | Actors Equity/SIPTU |
| Theatre | Costume Designers | Actors Equity/SIPTU |
| Theatre | Theatre Directors | Actors Equity/SIPTU |
| Theatre | Set Designers | Actors Equity/SIPTU |
| Theatre | Stage Designers | Actors Equity/SIPTU |
| Literature | Writers | Irish Writers Centre |
| Music | Musicians including traditional, Popular and rock music | Musicians Union of Ireland/SIPTU |
| Dance | Dancers | Dance Ireland |
| Dance | Choreographers | Dance Ireland |
| Opera | Composers | Musicians Union of Ireland/SIPTU |
| Film | Actors | Actors Equity/SIPTU |
| Film | Screen Writers | Writers Guild of Ireland |
| Film | Film Directors | Screen Directors Guild of Ireland |
| Circus | Street Performers | Irish Street Arts, Circus & Spectacle Network |
However, you must continue to satisfy the qualifying conditions for Jobseeker’s Allowance - for example: availability for full-time work and genuinely seeking work, in order to continue to receive payment.
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.
This list is not exhaustive:
You should advise your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office as soon as you are a member of one of the listed certifying professional organisations.
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.