Mandatory pension insurance proposed for scholarship recipients
A Ministry of Social Affairs and Health working group set up to look into the social welfare of people depending on arts and study scholarships has proposed that pension insurance be made mandatory on incomes of EUR 18,000 or more a year.
At the same time, the group proposes that the maximum level of tax-exempt scholarships under the Income Tax Act be increased to EUR 19,000. This would ensure that the disposable income of people receiving scholarships would not be reduced due to the mandatory pension insurance premiums. A health insurance contribution would also be paid from the scholarship.
The working group was created in spring 2003 to examine the defects in the social security and social insurance situation of artists and researchers depending on scholarships.