Social Security Programme for Artists

As opposed to other professions, the profession of an artist generally does not lead to having a permanent employer and steady income; however, artists remain liable for all taxes, including contributions to the state social insurance fund and the state health insurance fund, and thus find themselves in a vulnerable position regarding social security.

Following the practice of many European Union countries, special social security measures for artists were introduced in Lithuania. In 2011 Parliament passed an amendment to the Law on the Status of an Artist and the Status of an Organisation of Artists As a result of this amendment, the Social Security Programme for Artists was approved by the government. As stated in this Programme, the State now pays the state social insurance fund and state health insurance fund contributions for artists on low, irregular incomes as weIl as for artists who are at a creative standstill (a temporary period of time during which an artist for personaI reasons does not have the conditions to work or disseminate his works and therefore receive income). Moreover, artists at a creative standstill are entitled to financial benefits during this period.

The Social Security Programme for Artists was drawn up by the Ministry of Culture and approved by the government. The State Social Insurance Fund Board is responsible for paying contributions to the state social insurance fund and the state health insurance fund for the artists. The Ministry of Culture is responsible for assessing applications and providing financial benefits.