Relief for a Challenging Time

The COVID-19 pandemic upended all of our lives and effectively halted much of the work performed by SAG-AFTRA members. The union’s core functions, including residuals processing and contract enforcement and negotiations, do continue in full force. In April alone, we processed 583,738 residuals checks totaling more than $120 million. In addition, the union is lobbying federal, state and local elected leaders to ensure members are eligible for funds available in relief legislation.

Relief efforts are available to members in need from the union, the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan, the state and federal government, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, SAG-AFTRA Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund and The Actors Fund.

DUES EXTENSION

Members who can pay on time, or pay their entire year’s dues, are encouraged to do so to allow the critical services of the union to continue without disruption.

Those experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardship can request and will be granted a due date extension and an installment plan. No late fees will be assessed for the May dues period and there will be no adverse impact on members’ work eligibility during this time.

HEALTH PLAN RELIEF

The SAG-AFTRA Health Plan temporarily reduced premiums by 50% during the second quarter (April, May and June) for all eligible Plan I, Plan II and COBRA participants covered by the Plan as of March 1, 2020. This change was effective on April 1, 2020.

RELIEF FUNDS

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation and SAG-AFTRA Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund created the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund covers members who are in an emergency financial crisis related to COVID-19 and provides help with basic expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, medical bills and other essential needs. In its first two months, the fund distributed more than $4.6 million to nearly 5,000 members. For more, click here. If you need help, ask. If you can help, give.

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE & STIMULUS PAYMENT

The CARES Act offers relief to many members in the form of a stimulus payment and additional unemployment assistance. For those who may not qualify for traditional unemployment, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance may be available. Congress is expected to pass additional relief efforts in the form of the HEROES Act. Get additional resources for SAG-AFTRA members, unemployment FAQs and video of the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement webinar on unemployment assistance for members.

WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS

With in-person events suspended across the country in compliance with local and state ordinances, online opportunities continue for SAG-AFTRA members. SAG-AFTRA and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation are hosting live educational workshops online, ranging from self-tape, casting and voiceover workshops to mental health resources.

The President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement is hosting a series of online events (watch your email and sagaftra.org for announcements) and check out youtube.com/sagaftra for recordings of past events.

Among the livestreams were presentations on self-tape auditions, taxes for actors and, in conjunction with IATSE, a virtual town hall with U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff discussing issues about future relief efforts and getting the industry back to work.

Your elected leadership and staff continue to work tirelessly on your behalf during this challenging time. Regularly check sagaftra.org/covid-19 for the latest updates and resources.

This item originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine spring 2020 issue.