Is Arts Funding going to affect social welfare payments?

Grant funding is income, so it may affect your social welfare. How it will affect your social welfare situation will depend on the scheme you are on, for example, if it’s a means tested scheme then it will impact it but other factors might mean you are still entitled to some payment or you may be eligible to switch to Jobseekers Allowance for Artists which is a top up payment.

It’s also important that when you tell social welfare about the funding, you reflect the expenses, material and other fees that might be coming out of the grant, so it shows it’s not all income. 

For queries on your personal situation it is best to ring Citizens Information, they have knowledge on all schemes and access. Their general number has a dedicated member of staff answering queries on social welfare – 0818 07 4000.

Information on Social Welfare and Benefits for artists in Northern Ireland can be found on Advice NI:

https://www.adviceni.net/benefits