HEALTH INSURANCE

• Arts & Entertainment Health Plan for artists

EMPLOMENT INSURANCE (EI) Benefits for Self-Employed People

• Service Canada- Eligibilty and Application Information
  

CHILDRENS CULTURAL ACTIVITY TAX BENEFITS

• NEW Active Families Benefit 

SASKATCHEWAN PENSION PLAN 

Saskatchewan Pension Plan makes it easy for artists to have a pension plan, even though as an artist you may have multiple employers per year, or are self employed.

Anyone can contribute to your account, in any amount, at any time (up to a combined maximum of $600 per year). That way, sponsors, engagers, employers and anyone can contribute to your account as part of a grant, contract or employment agreement.  The amount of money contributed on your behalf remains in your account, earning interest until you want to retire from SPP (between the ages of 55 and 69).

The Plan will accommodate your individual financial circumstances. Once you have an SPP account, you can start and stop contributions whenever you wish. There’s no obligation to contribute every year. As well, the contributions are tax deductible by you.  $600 per year for 30 years can earn you over $70,000 or save just $1 a day for 40 years and you will earn more than $100,000 (assuming an 8% interest rate).

Joining SPP will cost you nothing. SPP even provides a postage paid envelope (downloadable from our website or mailed to you) so you can send in your application to SPP. Even if you already have a pension or RRSP plan, you can still become a member of SPP, save additional money for your retirement, and encourage your employers or engagers to contribute on your behalf.

For more information, or to join the Plan, call 1 800 667 7153 or visit www.saskpension.com.

SASK WORKERS HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM

THIS PROGRAM WAS DISCONTINUED IN THE MARCH 2008 PROVINCIAL BUDGET

On June 27 2007 the provincial government responded to the Report and Recommendations of The Commission on Improving Work Opportunities for Saskatchewan Residents.

The new Saskatchewan Workers' Health Benefits program was unveiled as part of the response. The program starts July 1, 2007, and will give Saskatchewan's low-income workers, either employed or self-employed, better access to prescription drugs, eye exams and chiropractic services.

As the average earnings for Artists in Saskatchewan is $15,341, some may qualify for benefits.

Program details and eligibility criteria can be found at http://www.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?mediaId=175&PN=Shared.

Application forms www.health.gov.sk.ca/workers-health-benefits-program.html

Source : Saskatchewan Arts Alliance