Sejm passes law topping up social insurance for low-income artists, 232 votes to 197

The vote

The Sejm passed a bill on social security for people working in artistic professions on Thursday, 8 October. The vote was 232 in favour, 197 against and 4 abstentions. The bill was prepared by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and aims to bring artists into the social insurance system in a way that fits how they work. It now goes to the Senate.

Who qualifies for the subsidy

The central mechanism is a subsidy to social insurance contributions for artists whose average monthly income over the last three years did not exceed 125% of the minimum wage, about 68,000 zloty gross a year. An estimated 21,000 people would be covered. The subsidy tops contributions up to the level calculated from the minimum wage, and it is paid only in months when the artist's own income does not cover that level. The money is recorded on accounts at the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and transferred automatically. Entitlement is set for each year and checked regularly rather than granted indefinitely. Sources say the scheme also gives access to sickness benefits, maternity leave and support for retraining and changing profession.

The minister's answer

During the debate, Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska said a lot of misunderstandings had built up around the project. Answering the question of who the support is for, she said the law is not aimed at celebrities or stars, and that income from all sources, including copyright, is what counts.

Recognition is therefore not the criterion, only income.

Cienkowska also said entrepreneurs are excluded from the system. Running a business rules out artist status, and starting one ends it. On how the payment works, she was categorical.

No artist will get a single zloty in hand from this law.

In a post on X, she described the target group in broader terms.

This is not a law for celebrities. It is protection for people who live from artistic work, but do not always have a permanent job, a fixed salary and regular commissions.

Amendments and what comes next

Before the final vote, the Sejm approved a motion to proceed to the third reading without referring the bill to a committee. A motion from the Confederation Crown of Poland club to reject the bill in its entirety was defeated. The bill now moves to the Senate. Reports also describe a planned advisory commission of 145 members, of which artists' organisations would nominate 120 and collective management organisations 10. Eligibility is reviewed each year, so the subsidy will continue only for artists who keep meeting the income threshold.