Definitions of Artists’ Social Fund (KSK) 2

Artists' Social Fund 2

So you can see that some activities / professions appear here that you would not initially associate with the terms artist and publicist. It is worthwhile to take a close look at everything, how it looks with your profession and perhaps you can also join the artist’s social security fund

The application process

Thousands of applicants are turned away every year. This always happens when the KSK does not recognize the activity carried out as an artistic activity. In order to become a member of the KSK, both a questionnaire must be answered and a corresponding application must be submitted to the artists’ social insurance fund. Existing activity records, such as evidence of current contracts or publications, must be enclosed with this application.

Contribution calculation

Compulsory insurance is significantly cheaper for artists and publicists than for self-employed or other freelancers. The contributions are based on the respective annual income, whereby the KSK requires its members to make an annual preliminary estimate of the expected income. The contributions consist of payments for health insurance (14.6%), pension insurance(18.6%) and long-term care insurance (2.55% or 2.80%) together and are offset against the estimated annual income. It should be noted that the contributor only has to pay 50% of the contribution rate. In addition, long-term care insurance distinguishes between childlessness and parental status, whereby the contribution rate for childless people increases by 0.25% and this higher proportion must be borne by the contributor alone.

Contribution calculation: example

This example shows possible amounts to the artists’ social security fund with an annual income of 12,000 euros (1,000 € / month):

Contribution invoice artist social security fund
insurance Total contribution rate With child Without a child
Health insurance 14.6% € 876 (7.3%) € 876 (7.3%)
pension insurance 18.6% € 1,116 (9.3%) € 1,116 (9.3%)
care insurance 2.55% (with child)
2.80% (without child)
153 € (1.275%) € 183 ( 1.525% )
Total annual contribution € 2,145 2175 €

The KSK contribution calculator

The KSK contribution calculator can be used to determine the individual contribution rates . This enables a simple, fast and, in particular, anonymous determination of the monthly fees without having to disclose personal data.

Advantages and disadvantages of the artists’ social security fund

The greatest advantage of the KSK is that its members only have to pay 50% of the fees themselves. The other half is financed through the federal grant and by companies that use the services of artists or publicists. The KSK offers a number of other advantages, such as:

  • Freedom of choice between private and statutory health insurance
  • Individual, income-related contribution amount
  • Entitlement to benefits regardless of the contribution amount
  • Creation of a basis for old-age security

Of course, the artists’ social security fund also has disadvantages, such as the fact that members cannot be exempt from statutory pension insurance. In addition, a certain minimum income must be achieved, which can be a not insignificant hurdle, especially for artists with irregular income. In addition, the KSK is compulsory insurance. In contrast to freelancers, artists and publicists cannot choose their membership.

How is the annual earned income determined?

The people insured in the artists’ social insurance fund must always submit their annual income as an estimate at the end of each year. If changes occur, for example more or significantly less income, then you, as the insured person, have to inform the artists’ social insurance fund. This then adjusts your posts up or down according to the changes. But this only applies to the future. An adjustment never takes place retrospectively. For you as an insured person, this means that you have a certain amount of leeway. This may tempt you to calculate with less income in order to pay less contribution. However, this in turn has the disadvantage that you build up less pension entitlement and also receive less sick pay in the event of illness.

Who will check the information?

The artists’ social insurance fund checks at least five percent of all insured persons every year on a random basis. The check relates to the correct estimate of income and whether changes have been dutifully reported. In addition, it is checked whether and to what extent there may still be income that is not in the area of ​​self-employed and artistic activity. If irregularities occur here, as an insured member you will be asked to report your actual earnings from previous years. In this case, you also have to present your income tax assessments from the last four years.

What happens if there are discrepancies between actual and estimated income?

It is still no big deal if you misjudge your expected income. For you as a self-employed person, this cannot be precisely predicted. If you are only a little different from your estimate, then this has no further consequences. The situation is different, however, if someone deliberately and deliberately reports incorrect information. And this over a longer period of time, i.e. over a few years. In this case, a fine of up to 5,000 euros must be expected. It also means that the artists’ welfare fund adjusts its estimates for the future. In the following years, the insured can be sure that his information will be checked regularly and very precisely.

Artists' Social Fund 2