The Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) translates to “Artists’ Social Insurance Fund” in English. It is a unique social security system for artists and publicists in Germany, providing them with health, pension, and nursing care insurance similar to that of employed workers.
What is “Künstlersozialkasse”?
The Künstlersozialkasse is a social insurance scheme that treats artists, performers, publicists, writers, editors, and journalists as employees by paying half of their contributions for health, pension, and nursing care insurance. This system is not an insurance company itself but acts as a mediator between the insured individuals and the respective insurance providers. It is also known by various names such as “Artists’ Health Insurance,” “Artists’ Social Insurance Fund,” “Artists’ Social Security Insurance,” and “Artists’ and Publicists’ Insurance.” The KSK is crucial for self-employed artists and publicists in Germany, offering them a safety net that is otherwise hard to come by in the freelance world[2].
More information about “Künstlersozialkasse”
Membership in the KSK is subject to certain criteria, such as the recognition of one’s profession as “artistic,” which can be complex and requires the submission of numerous documents. Applicants must also earn a minimum of 3,900 Euros per year from their artistic activities, although exceptions are possible for those just starting or not consistently meeting this income[2]. The KSK is funded by contributions from its members, a federal government subsidy, and a social security contribution paid by companies that utilize artistic and written works[10].
Related to “Künstlersozialkasse”
Here are some additional terms that are related to Künstlersozialkasse:
- Künstlersozialversicherungsgesetz (KSVG): The Artists’ Social Insurance Act that underpins the KSK, ensuring social security coverage for self-employed artists and publicists in Germany.
- FreiberuflerFreiberufler, literally translated as "freelancer" in English, refers to self-employed professionals in Germany who offer specialized services based on their... More: Freelancers or self-employed individuals, particularly those in the creative industries who benefit from the KSK.
- Sozialversicherung: Social insurance, encompassing health, pension, and nursing care insurance, to which the KSK contributes on behalf of its members.
- Abgabepflicht: The obligation of companies to pay a social security contribution for utilizing artistic and written works, which helps fund the KSK.
The Künstlersozialkasse represents a significant support system for artists and publicists in Germany, offering them social security benefits similar to those of employed workers and thereby contributing to the vibrancy and sustainability of the creative sector.