Unemployment Resources

A wide array of services to help support the motion picture community in a time of need.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    PAYUP HOLLYWOOD RESOURCES

    FINANCIAL HELP

    • Hollywood Support Staff Relief Fund: HSSRF offers a one-time emergency financial assistance grant for film and television assistants or support staff who are currently unemployed or on hiatus due to work stoppage and have under three years of paid work experience in the entertainment industry.
    • Entertainment Community Fund: Founded in 1882, The Actors Fund is a national human services organization for all workers in entertainment (despite the name). Services include emergency financial assistance, affordable housing, health care and insurance counseling, senior care, secondary career development, and more.
    • IATSE Local 600 Hardship Fund: IASTE Local 600 provides assistance through two Funds for those experiencing a lack of work. Members are eligible for only one Local 600 Hardship Fund at any given time.
    • Motion Picture Television Fund: MPTF offers a variety of services that can provide emotional and financial relief to industry members and their families during times of need. Whether the hardship is personal or the result of an entertainment industry-wide event, MPTF is here when you need us most.

    MEDICAL HELP

    • Behind the Scenes: Grants for serious illness or injury or to assist with therapy or rehab.
    • Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants: This program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need* who are creating in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography.
    • Entertainment Community Fund: Dedicated to keeping our community healthy and insured through personalized health insurance counseling provided nationally, guidance and enrollment support; referrals to health care resources; and more.

    FOOD SECURITY HELP

    • Feeding America: Partners with food banks, food pantries, and local food programs to bring food to people facing hunger.
    • Greater Cleveland Food Bank: Member of Feeding America, working to end hunger today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime. Get help paying for food, learn more about programs and services, or find nutrition information and recipes.
    ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITY FUND SOCIAL SERVICES AND EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

    The Entertainment Community Fund (Formerly The Actors Fund) has free and confidential social service programs that address a wide array of challenges faced by people in performing arts and entertainment. Their professional social workers offer support, counseling and practical help. If you would like to speak with a social worker, please complete their application or contact an office nearest to you.

    New York – Eastern Region
    [email protected]
    917.281.5919    		Chicago – Central Region
    [email protected]
    312.372.0989    		Los Angeles – Western Region
    [email protected]
    323.330.2455

    HOW TO APPLY FOR EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

    Emergency financial assistance is available for people who are unable to pay their immediate basic living expenses (housing, food, utility bills or health care) from the Entertainment Community Fund. If you can cover your expenses for the next few months, they ask that you wait to apply.

    Once they receive your application, a social services team member will get in touch within five to seven business days to assess eligibility, discuss your particular situation and financial need, help develop a plan of action and, if helpful, connect you to community resources.

    This assistance can help towards the cost of immediate basic living expenses such as housing, food, utility bills, or health care.

    THREE STEPS TO APPLY:

    1. Confirm Your Financial Need: Emergency financial assistance is available for people who are unable to pay their immediate basic living expenses (housing, food, utility bills, or health care). If you can cover your expenses for the next few months, they ask you to wait to apply.
    2. Review Your Eligibility: The Entertainment Community Fund manages the disbursement of several funds. Please read the requirements below for all unions, guilds and/or employers that apply to you. Union and non-union workers may apply directly to the Entertainment Community Fund. 
    3. Prepare Your Documentation: Before you start to fill out the online application, please collect and digitize all of the required documentation. (Toggle below, or see this list.)

    Entertainment Community Fund+–

    Eligibility for financial assistance varies by program. Overall eligibility for financial assistance is based on: Documentation of five years of professional performing arts and entertainment earnings out of the last seven years. Three of the five documented years of earnings must be a minimum of $6,500 per year. OR A minimum of 20 years of industry-paid employment with at least 10 years of industry earnings of $5,000 per year. OR Professionals whose primary career is as a dancer must document earnings from dance of $2,000 per year, three years out of the last seven years. OR Comedians whose primary earnings are through live performance must document earnings from comedic work of $2,000 per year for three years out of the last seven. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: Documentation of Industry Earnings: Accepted forms of earnings documentation include Union Pension and Health statements, W-2, 1099 forms, signed contracts or pay stubs. Current checking, savings and investment statements, including name, address, transaction and balance totals. Most recent federal income tax return—first two pages only (1040 form). Bills for which you are seeking assistance including applicant name and address. If applicable, documentation of your illness, injury or disability.

    American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund+–

    ELIGIBILITY & DOCUMENTATION: Current members in good standing or on honorary withdrawal. Confirmation of current membership including start and end date. Email [email protected] and put ‘Proof of Membership in subject line for confirmation letter. Most recent checking and savings bank statement, including name, address, transactions and balance totals. Bills for which you are seeking assistance including applicant name and address. If applicable, documentation of your illness, injury or disability. To determine your eligibility for an additional grant through the Entertainment Community Fund, please see criteria listed under the Entertainment Community Fund.

    Casting Society Cares+–

    ELIGIBILITY & DOCUMENTATION: Documentation of financial need. Current, active member of Casting Society. A PDF of membership card must be obtained online: Login to www.castingsociety.com → My Account → Billing & Membership → Print Your Membership Card (PDF) Most recent checking and savings bank statement, including name, address, transactions and balance totals. Most recent Federal Income Tax Return—first two pages only (1040 form). Bills for which you are seeking assistance including name and address. For international members only: to apply, please email [email protected] To determine eligibility for an additional grant through the Entertainment Community Fund, please see criteria listed under the Entertainment Community Fund.

    Hollywood Support Staff Relief Fund (HSSRF)+–

    ELIGIBILITY & DOCUMENTATION: HSSRF offers a one-time emergency financial assistance grant for film and television assistants or support staff who are currently unemployed or on hiatus due to work stoppage. ELIGIBILITY: Employed as a film or television assistant or support staff in Los Angeles or New York for no more than three of the most recent years. Job loss or on hiatus due to work stoppage. Documented need. DOCUMENTATION: Income documentation of work as a film/television assistant or support staff. Accepted forms of documentation include W-2s, 1099s or paystubs. Provide the most recent pay stub of entertainment industry income from 2023 for those who lost work OR 2022 W-2, 1099 or paystub of income from work that is postponed or on extended hiatus. Current checking and savings statement, including name, address, transactions and balance totals. Most recent federal income tax return: first two pages only (1040 form). Bills for which you are seeking assistance, with your name and address. Housing expense—lease, mortgage/maintenance, including your name and address. Documentation of job title and job loss or hiatus status due to work stoppage. Provide call sheet or letter on letterhead stationary from line producer or showrunner, or email from last industry employer in Los Angeles or New York including the name of applicant, job title and dates of employment.

    IATSE Local 798+–

    ELIGIBILITY & DOCUMENTATION: Current Membership with verification of membership status provided by the Union. To request membership verification, send an email to: [email protected] and copy [email protected]. Please include your name, email address and phone number. Most recent complete checking and savings bank statement, including name, address and balance totals. Bills for which assistance is requested including applicant name and address. To determine eligibility for an additional grant through the Entertainment Community Fund, please see criteria listed under the Entertainment Community Fund.

    IATSE Local 600 Hardship Fund+–

    ELIGIBILITY & DOCUMENTATION: IASTE Local 600 provides assistance through two Funds for those experiencing a lack of work. Members are eligible for only one Local 600 Hardship Fund at any given time. LACK OF WORK DUE TO WORK STOPPAGE ELIGIBILITY: A member in good standing as of January 1, 2023. Verification of membership status must be included in the application. Request a letter by emailing [email protected]. Please include your name, email address and phone number. Documented need. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: Most recent checking and savings bank statements, including name, address, transactions and balance totals. Most recent federal income tax return—first two pages only (1040). Bills for which you seek assistance, including the applicant’s name and address. Housing expense—lease, mortgage/maintenance, including your name and address. To determine your eligibility for an additional grant through the Entertainment Community Fund, please see the criteria listed under the Entertainment Community Fund. LACK OF WORK DUE TO ILLNESS OR INJURY ELIGIBILITY: An extreme catastrophic injury or illness which prevents that member from performing covered work for at least six months. A severe workplace injury while engaging in Local 600 covered work which prevents that member from performing covered work. A manmade or natural disaster which prevents that member from performing covered work. Have at least $25,000 of covered earnings over the previous five years. A member in good standing for at least two continuous years at the onset of the qualifying illness. Verification of membership status must be included in the application. Request letter by emailing [email protected]. Please include your name, email, address and phone number. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: Most recent checking and savings bank statements, including name, address, transactions and balance totals. Most recent federal income tax return—first two pages only (1040). Bills for which you seek assistance, including the applicant’s name and address. Housing expense—lease, mortgage/maintenance, including your name and address. Documents that confirm injury or illness such as physician’s note or workers compensation application, if applicable. Documents that confirm FEMA certifications for disaster-related applications. To determine your eligibility for an additional grant through the Entertainment Community Fund, please see the criteria listed under the Entertainment Community Fund.

    TIPS ON MAKING YOUR APPLICATION PROCESS EASIER:

    Only complete applications can be processed. Please submit all requested documents so that the Entertainment Community Fund can assist you as quickly as possible.

    APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE

    Questions? Contact an office nearest to you:

    New York – Eastern Region
    [email protected]
    917.281.5919    		Chicago – Central Region
    [email protected]
    312.372.0989    		Los Angeles – Western Region
    [email protected]
    323.330.2455
    MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION FUND

    The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) supports working and retired members of the entertainment community with a safety net of health and social services, including temporary financial assistance, case management, and residential living.

    MPTF Services and Programs Include:

    IATSE LOCAL 600’S HARDSHIP FUND

    IASTE Local 600 provides assistance through two Funds for those experiencing a lack of work. Members are eligible for only one Local 600 Hardship Fund at any given time.

    Application for Financial Assistance from the Hardship Fund

    Please be sure to collect all of the required documentation PRIOR to filling out an application. Applications submitted without the proper information will not be processed. More information on the Local 600 Hardship Fund can be found on the Entertainment Community Fund’s website (formerly The Actors Fund).

    BEHIND THE SCENES CHARITY GRANTS

    Behind the Scenes is a charity that provides Basic Needs Grants for entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured and are seeking assistance with basic living expenses (such as rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, insurance and transportation) or for medical expenses (including health insurance, doctor and hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, home health care, and medical equipment. This grant is also appropriate if the eligible person has an immediate, dependent family member who is seriously ill or injured.

    Counseling Grants are available to entertainment technology professionals to assist with therapy or rehab. Their Mental Health Initiative provides tools and resources to support all entertainment industry workers and their families and promote mental health and awareness.

    WOMEN IN FILM – HELP LINE & OTHER RESOURCES

    The WIF Help Line is here to offer emotional support for challenging times in the entertainment industry. As entertainment workers fight for job sustainability and safety, our Help Line advocates can be a listening ear to help you navigate the stress of this critical moment. On Thursdays from 9am – 4:30pm, advocates are standing by to provide support and resources specifically about work instability related to work stoppage. People across all entertainment fields and of all genders are invited to call 1-855-WIF-LINE. For support with harassment and misconduct in the workplace, contact the Help Line during our usual hours, Monday through Friday 9am-4:30pm at 1-855-WIF-LINE. 

    SEE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
    WINSTON | BAKER FREE ON-DEMAND ACCESS TO PAST WEBINARS & LIVE EVENTS FOR UNION MEMBERS

    Winston Baker recognized the concerns of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Unions, and supports all members. They hope for a speedy and successful resolution.

    In recognition of many friends and colleagues in the unions who have supported Winton Baker, they are offered FREE On-Demand Access to their past Winston Baker webinars and live-event videos for all Union Members. To gain access to their catalog of educational conferences, please send an email using this link.

    UNION PLUS – HARDSHIP HELP, STRIKE BENEFITS

    Union Plus partners with companies, non-profits, and others to offer discounts and assistance (mortgage assistance, insurance plans (auto, renters, homeowners, Medicare), scholarships, credit counseling and debt settlement, medical bill negotiating and more) to active union members. Click here to learn more.

    THE PIONEER ASSISTANCE FUND

    The Pioneers Assistance Fund provides financial aid and supportive counseling to individuals who work in theatrical exhibition, distribution, and vendors exclusive to either sector, for a minimum of five recent years, who are encountering an illness, accident, or injury.

    Click here to apply for assistance.

    A team of social workers confidentially assesses the needs and financial difficulties of motion picture industry members and provides aid to support health and well-being when income and assets are limited. The program currently has six types of assistance to help those in need: Social Service Consultations, the Salah Hassanein Medical Grant, Medical Equipment Aid, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Bernie Myerson Emergency Grant (temporary financial aid for housing, utilities, food, burial or cremation costs), and the Tom Sherak Pioneer Grant (monthly stipend for frail or disabled low-income senior veterans)). Financial aid is not available to treat alcohol or substance abuse. To request an application for financial aid call (888) 994-3863, ext. 2390, or email them.

    ARTISTS FELLOWSHIP INC. – EMERGENCY AID RESOURCES

    The Artists’ Fellowship, Inc. is a 501(c)3 private charitable foundation that financially assists professional visual artist and their families in times of emergency, disability, or bereavement. Assistance is given without expectation or repayment. One does not need to be a member of the Fellowship to receive assistance nor does membership in the Artists’ Fellowship entitle one to assistance from the foundation.

    Click here to see a link to Emergency Aid Resources.

    WELLBEING IN ENTERTAINMENT AND CREATIVE ARTS – MENTAL HEALTH & SAFTEY

    Wellbeing In Entertainment and Creative Arts supports the health, safety and wellbeing of entertainment workers on and off the picket lines! Click here for more information.

    VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR ENTERTAINMENT WORKERS

    Join the WECA’s online support group designed specifically for entertainment workers! Whether you’re a performer, technician, or involved in any aspect of the entertainment industry, this virtual gathering is here to provide you with a safe space to connect, share experiences, and find support. Click here for more information.

    LIGHTS ON! MENTAL HEALTH PODCAST

    Welcome to the one-of-a-kind podcast where Shaina Fawn & Tyee Tilghman have vulnerable, open, honest, and sometimes difficult conversations about the entertainment and creative arts industries, mental health, trauma, therapy, racism, and sexism. Their hope is that in having these conversations, they can educate and work together to dismantle mental health stigma and promote a culture of support within the entertainment industry. Click here to learn more.

    HUMANITAS GROCERIES FOR WRITERS

    Humanitas is distributing grocery store gift cards to current WGA writers in need, as long as supplies last. Click here to learn more.

    INEVITABLE EMERGENCY FUND FOR DISABLED WRITERS

    A responsive cash granting program for disabled writers in crisis. The Relief Fund provides an emergency backstop to ensure talented creatives aren’t forced to leave the industry due to financial necessity during crises such as the current work stoppage. Click here to learn more.

    SAG-AFTRA FOUNDATION – EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF FUND

    The Foundation offers several Emergency Financial Assistance Programs to eligible, dues-paying SAG-AFTRA members who are in urgent financial need due to an unexpected life crisis, such as a natural disaster, accident, health crisis creating a financial burden, loss of work due to an illness, loss of work due to a strike or production shut down, loss of housing due to an eviction, death in the family, or other emergency crisis situations described in IRS guidelines which pertain to providing emergency financial assistance grants to individuals. Click here to learn more.

    BROADCASTERS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

    Broadcasters Foundation of America has two types of grant programs. Their Monthly Grants support broadcasting professionals who are no longer able to work due to an illness, accident, or other misfortune. Their Emergency Grants support those affected by natural disasters and home emergencies. Click here to learn more.

    WGAW GOOD AND WELFARE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

    The Good & Welfare Fund provides interest-free loans to members experiencing financial hardship, whether or not the member lost employment as a result of the strike. Members can receive one-time loans of up to $7,000 and can apply for additional loans up to a cap of $14,000. The Good & Welfare Fund is ordinarily administered through the Motion Picture Television Fund (MPTF). However, in an effort to expedite processing loans during the strike, all Strike Fund loan applicants will be considered for either a Strike Fund or Good & Welfare loan. The Strike Fund Committee is granting Good & Welfare loans, but can also refer members to the MPTF to speak with a skilled social worker. To be considered for a Good & Welfare loan, you should complete the Strike Fund loan application and submit it to the Strike Fund.

    LIVE AND WORK WELL

    Optum provides information and technology-enabled health services. It is a special collection of people, capabilities, competencies, technologies, perspectives and partners sharing the same simple goal: making the health care system work better for everyone.

    Today, Optum works with physicians, hospitals, employers, insurers, government entities and individuals. Their businesses are all focused on the delivery of integrated, intelligent solutions that work to truly modernize the health care system and improve overall individual and population health.

    Click on “Browse as guest with code”: MPIPHP to access mental health resources, legal and financial counseling and more. Click here to learn more.

    THE UNION SOLIDARITY COALITION

    Direct financial support to crew members who have lost health insurance due to strike-related shutdowns. Click here to learn more.

    GREEN ENVELOPE GROCERY AID APPLICATION

    WGA Virtual Mix (ran by Jelena Woehr & Joseph Mwamba) and Green Envelope Grocery Aid (ran by Joelle Garfinkel) have partnered up to provide $100 grocery funds directly to lower-level WGA Writers, Support Staffers, & PreWGA writers due to the lack of work during the WGA strike. Click here to apply.

    DRAMATISTS GUILD FOUNDATION – STRIKE RELIEF GRANT

    Dramatists (playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists) who wish to apply for a WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strike Relief Grant can apply using this form.

    MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY (MPI) PENSION AND HEALTH PLAN

    For people who are also in the IATSE/Animation Guild, MPI is offering a one-time Individual Account Plan withdrawal of up to 20% of funds staring September 1st. They’re also crediting hours to certain members’ health plans Click here to learn more.