Member Resources > Financial Resources
See also: Food Assistance (below)
Free Financial Guidance and Other Assistance During Strikes
NEW: Special Health Insurance Subsidies Program
Members who are residents of California and have lost employer or union-based health insurance because of ongoing guild negotiations, will find subsidies available through the Covered California Exchange. *
Benefits and income guidelines have been enhanced for our members with rates and benefits available month-to-month until you return to work. Possible plans include: $0 cost, $0 deductible, PPO and HMO.
To learn more and find out what subsidies you qualify for, contact Academy Benefits Insurance Agency, LLC
Janet Mejia at 800-266-3550 x 4647
Scott Brandt at 800-266-3550 x 4653 or scottb@academybenefits.tv
*All Covered California Insurance Companies are participating.
Assembly Bill No. 2530 authorizes this California Health Benefit Exchange.
NEW: LA County's Department of Economic Opportunity has created a free webinar for workers and businesses who were impacted by the guild negotiations. The webinar features resources and technical assistance being offered by various County departments and partners for both industry members and Los Angeles businesses, including: financial assistance, rent relief, and legal assistance.
To learn more and watch the webinar click here.
A financial education organization founded by CEO Miata Edoga. For 20 years, she has been educating artists, entrepreneurs and non-traditional earners – especially members of the entertainment industry – on how to build financial skills to sustain a creative career for a lifetime. Learn more about managing or strengthening your finances here.
Entertainment Community Fund (Formerly The Actors Fund)
Performing arts entertainment industry workers can take advantage of a wide array of free and confidential social service progams that address immediate basic living expenses (housing, food, utility bills or health care), and can apply for emergency financial assistance.
If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to help, make a donation of support.
#PayUpHollywood, founded to promote pay equity for Hollywood's assistants, has relaunched in conjunction with the Entertainment Community Fund and Women in Film, as the Hollywood Support Staff Relief Fund. Film and TV support staff now have a permanent, much-needed resource. Apply for one-time grants here.
If you're in a position to help, tax-deductible donations can be made here.
Motion Picture and Television Fund
Among other things, this charitable relief organization offers grants to anyone working in the entertainment industry who falls on challenging times. If you have a "demonstratable financial need" stemming from the aftermath of the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes, you can apply for temporary help.
If you're able to give, donate to MPTF's program funds.
No-interest or low-interest loans, including the Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund, are available to WGA members in need of financial assistance.
SAG-AFTRA Emergency Financial Assistance and Disaster Relief Fund
Programs are available to eligible, dues-paying SAG-AFTRA members who are in urgent financial need. You may also support the fund by donating any amount.
SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union
Strike loans and payment deferrals are available for existing credit union members. Those facing financial hardship can apply for financial assistance, including work disruption loans and loan payment deferral.
First Entertainment Credit Union
Hardship assistance loans are available to members affected by the strikes. Options are available, including a low interest rate with a 90-day no-payback structure. (Not a member? Apply now to take advantage of these offers.)
Emergency Relief Loan: Rates as low as 5.99% APR, no application fee, and no payment for 90 days.
Personal Visa Credit Cards: Enjoy 12 months interest-free on purchases/balance transfers made within 90 days.
Loans, Credit Card Payment Deferments, and Fee Waivers: Contact us for additional assistance and details.
View additional Entertainment Industry Resources and Financial Wellness Courses on our website.
If you have any questions, contact them via Secure Message, Live Chat, or by calling 888.800.3328 (option 2, then press 2 again).
Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation
The Pioneers Assistance Fund provides financial assistance and counseling services to theatrical exhibition and distribution workers experiencing hardship due to illness, accident, or underemployment.
Food Assistance
If you could use some help with meals, below are options to explore. Just click the organization names for phone and email contacts.
NOTE: For those with time and/or means, these organizations would be incredibly grateful for donations and/or volunteers to support their efforts.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank runs pantries throughout LA County. Click here to find what is offered in your area.
North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry will provide a bag with cans of protein, soup, cereal, bread, rice, beans and peanut butter. Fresh fruit and vegetables when available. Drive-through distribution is available. Mondays and Fridays, 7:30 – 11:00 AM (Note their new location: 11634 Moorpark Street, Studio City, CA.)
World Harvest LA is offering free food to striking writers and actors. Each family is provided with one grocery basket full of food items each time they visit World Harvest Charities and Family Services.
Groceries for Writers, administered by Humanitas, is distributing grocery store gift cards to current WGA writers in need. As of August 1, they had issued 1,137 cards.
HELP FOR SENIORS AND THOSE WITH DISABILITIES
Meals on Wheels is available nationally to persons 60 years of age or older*, regardless of income, who are homebound because of illness, disability, or have difficulty obtaining food or meals for themselves. Find help in your area by logging onto their site. Los Angeles members, go to Meals on Wheels West LA. (*At this time, you may find there is no age limit for this program.)
California Department of Aging partners with 33 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) that coordinate a wide array of services to seniors and adults with disabilities. Find an AAA in your community by calling 1-800-510-2020 or click here.
Cal Fresh Expansion provides monthly food benefits to low-income, qualified seniors who prior to 2019 could not receive benefits. This program provides much needed monthly food assistance to California seniors and economic benefit to local communities.
updated 8.28.23
