Navigating Your Finances

Freelancing in our industry can be precarious and unpredictable, with a baseline economic model known for its inequality, inaccessibility and squeezed resources.

For an artist with no financial safety net, existing in this environment quickly becomes about survival – which can feel uncreative and unsustainable.

As we prepare for our Fair Play initiative, we want to take an in depth look at the barriers rooted in financial, social and cultural capital that prevent artists from low socio-economic backgrounds from accessing and sustaining careers in theatre.

We are partnering with Turn2Us, (a leading charity supporting people experiencing financial hardship) to provide clear, accessible advice and support for self-employed creatives from low socio-economic backgrounds, creatives experiencing financial hardship and creatives in receipt of benefits.

Self Employment and Benefits

RTYDS and Turn2us have co-created a leaflet on navigating benefits while self-employed for artists and the organisations working with them:

Benefits Calculator

Navigating the benefit system can be difficult for a number of reasons. Use the calculator below to quickly find out what financial support you could be entitled to and how to claim it.

Before you start, it’s a good idea to have with you:

– Information about any benefits you’re already receiving
– Information about any self-employed or PAYE income
– Recent bank statements
– Information about your housing costs

Turn2us advise to input as much information as possible in the calculator to get the most accurate results. Everything you tell the calculator is completely confidential.

We have embedded this calculator as a tool to ensure artists have access to accurate, accessible advice on self-employment and claiming benefits.  The details you share are confidential and RTYDS will not have access  to any of the information.

Please note: this calculator is only a guide, for detailed advice specific to your circumstances or for more information please contact Citizen’s Advice or speak directly to your work coach.

Accessible versions of the RTYDS & Turn2us leaflet:

– Audio
– British Dyslexia Association style
– Large Print
– Screen Reader

*From April 2025 – April 2026, the earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance is £196 per week (from £151 per week previously).