Strike Help
The GMS Benefits Committee recognizes that the lingering effects of the strikes poses a challenging time for professionals in this industry right now, particularly those working freelance in Film & TV. Music Supervisors do not have a union and the AMPTP and Netflix continue to refuse to recognize a Music Supervisor union. We continue in our fight to unionize, and GMS fully supports this mission. To find out more information, please visit: https://linktr.ee/musicneedssupervision.
If you or your company is interested in providing aid to Members in need please contact benefits@guildofmusicsupervisors.com.
For anyone currently affected by the strikes, find some resources below:
Government Programs:
California Unemployment - https://edd.ca.gov/
New York Unemployment - https://www.ny.gov/services/unemployment-0
-
Likely not to qualify unless you are paid via a W-9 but if you meet the qualifications and want to try under misclassification then for sure try.
-
EDD for misclassified workers: Guidelines for different states
Affordable Connectivity Program:
-
Offers various benefits to households below a certain income.
-
Link: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
Food Resources:
Broadband for All:
-
The new federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps households afford internet
and devices they need for school, work, healthcare, and more. -
Link: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
Covered California:
-
Covered California is a free service that connects Californians with brand-name health
insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. When you apply, you
may qualify for a discount on a health plan through Covered California, or get health
insurance through the state’s Medi-Cal program.
Housing Rights:
Renters/Tenants:
-
Los Angeles - ULA ERAP. Program closes October 2nd, 2023
-
Residents of Los Angeles who owe back rent can now apply to an emergency renters assistance
program paid for with funds collected by Measure ULA. Applicants must live in Los Angeles and make
less than 80% of area median income. The program will cover up to six months of back rent owed to
your current landlord. Applications close on October 2. See here for more on eligibility, as well as how
to apply.
-
-
New York - You must get a referral by the sources they ask but the list is wide reaching. From there
they will provide assistance. A place to submit an inquiry is on this link: The Bridge Fund -
Chicago - via the (RAP)Rental Assistance Program
-
The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides funding to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming
homeless. RAP helps Chicagoans who have housing right now, but who may become homeless soon
because they lost income or had another eligible emergency which prevents them from paying rent. -
Link: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/serv/svcs/how_to_find_rentalassistanceinchicago.ht
ml
-
Owners:
-
California Mortgage Relief Program:
-
The CA Mortgage Relief Program provides assistance to CA homeowners struggling with financial
hardships. This government program is free. If you’ve struggled with missed mortgage payments, late
property taxes, loan deferrals, partial claims, or other homeowner financial hardships, you may qualify for
assistance from the CA Mortgage Relief Program.
-
-
New York Mortgage Relief Hotline:
-
By calling you will be directed to local assistance as per your location.
-
-
Chicago Mortgage Relief Program:
-
Created by the American Rescue Plan Act, ILHAF is designed to prevent mortgage delinquencies
and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services and displacement of
homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020.
-
Industry Related Assistance Programs:
The Entertainment Community Fund:
-
They provides a safety net for entertainment professionals, including emergency financial assistance, mental health resources, and support groups (non-union welcome).
-
They provide a direct phone number and email for LA, NY
and Chicago. -
Their Insurance program is "Every Artist Insured" and holds workshops for CA and NY/NJ residents.
-
Upcoming dates CA 10/3 and 10/17 for CA and 9/28 and 10/5 for NY/NJ
-
-
Qualifications- Prepare one of the following documentation in order to do the application:
-
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
-
A minimum of 20 years of industry-paid employment with at least 10 years of industryearnings of $5,000 per year.
-
The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF):
-
MPTF provides temporary financial assistance to qualified industry members who have a demonstrable financial need due to unforeseen circumstances.
-
This temporary assistance may help towards such basic living expenses as mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, car insurance premiums, car payments, and food.
-
MPTF also has a hotline for LA, NYC and Chicago to advise on insurance plans and sign up.
-
Link: mptf.com/services
The Hollywood Support Staff Relief Fund (HSSRF):
-
Offers a one-time emergency financial grant for film & TV assistants or support staff who are currently unemployed or on hiatus due to the strike (must have under 3 years paid work experience in entertainment).Link: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/am-i-eligible-help
IAP 2023 Hardship Election Form
-
Now available for completion
Other Strike Resources
Editors Guild Strike Impact Resources List:
Women in Film:
-
They have a helpline to offer emotional support to navigate the stress of this challenging time. All genders across all fields/non-union are welcome to call 1-855-WIF-LINE on Thursdays 9am-4:30pm. Times outside that window you can also call for support with harassment and misconduct in the workplace M-F 9am-4:30pm.
-
Link: https://womeninfilm.org/
Producers Guild Strike Resources List:
-
Link: https://producersguild.org/strikeinfo/?utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email&utm_camp
aign=website
Strike Aid List Compiled by IATSE West Coast Office:
Go for PAs Alliance:
-
They aim to provide aid to the Production Assistants (PAs) working in film and television in the form of immediate financial support during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes as well as any future unforeseen work stoppages out of their control. They offer ongoing emergency financial aid
and resources.
The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Relief Fund:
-
Provides financial strike assistance (current AGMA members only).
-
Link: https://agmarelief.org/
Pay Up Hollywood:
-
Provides resources for entertainment support staff.P