Slovenia/ 5.1 General legislation  

5.1.4 Social security frameworks

There are specific measures for self-employed persons in the cultural sector including recognition of their freelance status for tax purposes and social security. The bases for granting these privileges are exceptional achievements and the government's decision to encourage growth in the number of professional artists. This special status is awarded for three years and may be extended. In 2006, 1 500 self-employed artists out of 2 328 registered had been given this special socio-economic status which cost in 2006 4.29 million euros or almost 2.92% of national funds for culture.

A retired cultural worker who has made an especially important contribution to Slovene culture but whose pension does not correspond to the contribution he has made may be granted a republic allowance by the Minister after consultation with the expert commission from the area of work of the candidate. In determining the level of the republic allowance social circumstances are taken into account. A republic allowance may also be granted as an addition to a family pension. Public funds for the republic allowance under this Act shall be provided by the ministry responsible for culture from that part of the state budget intended for culture. In 2006, 203 000 euros were spent for 89 such republic allowances. Another intervention in the pension system are exceptional pensions for artists which had been granted in past according to topmost artistic merits. The measure originated in previous period is from time to time vividly publicly criticised as a relict from previous system.

See also comparative information provided in the Compendium "Themes!" section under "Status of Artists".

Your Comments on this Chapter?