IATSE Strike Aid List
This list was compiled by the IATSE Motion Picture & Television Department and will be updated as they receive corrections to the existing information or additional resources to add. If you are a member with questions about how to apply for specific aid please reach out to your local for assistance.
IATSE Local 600 curated resources list for Western and Central Region IATSE members
*For those outside southern California
Emergency financial assistance is available for people who are unable to pay their immediate basic living expenses like housing, food, utility bills or health care. https://entertainmentcommunity.org/am-i-eligible-help
*For those in southern California
MPTF provides health and social services to working and retired members of the entertainment community. https://mptf.com
This is a grassroots group of writers, directors, and actors. Right now, their focus is to offer direct financial support to crew members who have lost health insurance due to strike-related shutdowns. @tusctogether on both Twitter and IG
*Applying for help here directs you to an MPTF & ECF application form, so it looks to be for anyone in the US
New York State COBRA Premium Assistance for Entertainment Industry Employees
This program was created to assist eligible entertainment industry employees in maintaining their health insurance during episodic employment. Participants can receive assistance equal to 75% of their COBRA premiums, and for up to 12 months of assistance in a 5-year period—eligibility requirements and restrictions apply.
New York Union Child Care Coalition
You may be eligible for subsidized childcare. The New York Union Child Care Coalition (a committee of the New York City Central Labor Council) has developed a pilot project for working parents to increase access to childcare subsidies and quality care in New York City for children up to 13 years of age within qualifying incomes (e.g. under $90,000 for a family of four). Childcare Subsidies are now available across New York City. These vouchers can be used for any type of childcare provider and can save parents an average of $15,000 per year (per child) in childcare expenses. The pilot project is being administered by The Consortium for Worker Education (CWE) in coordination with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).
Parents must be working, live in New York City, and meet income restrictions.
If you are interested in applying for a childcare subsidy, read this fact sheet first and then fill out pre-screening form or call (212) 558-2244 and leave your name, phone number, and Local union number (Local USA 829, IATSE). Certain restrictions apply.
Please note that eligibility will solely be determined by the program administrators and applicants must meet the pre-determined thresholds based on individual family circumstance
Entertainment Health Insurance Solutions
MPTF (primarily LA crew) and ECF (primarily outside LA), through Entertainment Health Insurance Solutions, work together to support members in finding alternative health coverage if you fall off the plans.
New York State of Health
To view healthcare plans, eligibility information, and apply for free/low-cost coverage, make an account here.
Local USA 829 Member Relief Fund
Local USA 829 has committed $250,000 to our Local USA 829 Member Relief Fund, administered by the Entertainment Community Fund (ECF), which will provide a $500 grant to the members who need it. Applications for the Relief Fund will open on Monday, 7/31. Keep an eye out for additional communication with a link to apply and learn more.
To be eligible, you must:
Be an active member in good standing
Download your Work Card in your Member Portal needed for the application. You can download your digital card in the Member Portal > Landing Page > Download My Work Card.
If you’re unable to connect to your portal or download a current work card, please contact Mike Smith or Assistant to the Financial Secretary Ruksana Chopdat and they will help you and provide a membership verification letter to include with application.
Provide verification of financial need, including:
Most recent checking and savings bank statements, which must include your name, address, transactions, and balance totals.
Copies of any bills for which assistance is requested; if a housing expense, please include copies of your lease or mortgage; if a healthcare expense, please include an appropriate statement.
Local USA 829 Strike Links
*You need to be logged in to access
There are many good links and answers to FAQs specifically for Local USA 829 Members
https://www.usa829.org/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Writers-Guild-AMPTP-Updates
*Administered by the Entertainment Community Fund
MAP is a confidential and free service designed for our membership specifically by providing support, resources, and solutions for a wide range of issues you may be experiencing on or off the job.
https://www.usa829.org/Safety-and-Education/Membership-Assistance-Program
Types of assistance include: counseling services, substance abuse services, community resources, senior care, work-life enrichment, support for leadership, heath and health insurance support & more.
The Local USA 829 Wellness Committee collects and discusses health and safety concerns of members and advocates for solutions. We educate members about risks and safe procedures and facilitate the establishment of appropriate health and wellness programs, education, and training. We also provide wellness resources to improve and foster healthy practices both on and off the job.
https://www.usa829.org/Safety-and-Education/Wellness-Resources
USA 829 401k Loan
Your Local USA 829 401k Plan allows you to borrow money from your individual account(s) for any purpose, with the intent that you will pay your own account back. The maximum loan amount (when added to the highest outstanding loan amount) is $50,000, and the minimum loan amount is $1,000. No more than one loan may be outstanding at any time.
To learn more and initiate a loan, you can log into your account at www.vanguard.com and choose “Access My Money” on the navigation bar.
IA Annuity Hardship Withdrawal
This is specific to loss of income or expense due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Local USA 829 participants financially impacted due to the pandemic may be eligible to receive a Hardship withdrawal. You must be able to prove loss of income and expenses incurred. Call the IATSE National Benefits Fund at 212-580-9092 to determine eligibility and ask for an application.
IATSE Strike Aid List - Compiled by the West Coast IATSE Office
This list was compiled by the IATSE Motion Picture & Television Department and will be updated as they receive corrections to the existing information or additional resources to add. If you are a member with questions about how to apply for specific aid please reach out to your local for assistance.
Labor Community Services
*For Los Angeles union members. The Labor Community Services team at the LA Fed have an assistance program that can help union members with bill pay, rent assistance, and more. To apply for the assistance program, please fill out the LCS Assistance Intake Form.
Benefits Cal
*For California residents. Members whose income has been affected by lack of work, you may be eligible for food aid, cash aid, medical benefits, and general relief programs detailed here:
Apply directly here: benefitscal.com/ApplyForBenefits/ABOVR
If you create an account, you can manage multiple applications and save your progress. benefitscal.com/AccountManagement/AMCYA
MPI WELLNESS PROGRAM
*For those with MPI healthcare coverage
Mental and Behavioral health support and therapy
Substance use disorder support and programs
Weight loss programs
Diabetes prevention programs
Quit smoking and vaping programs
Free weekly health and fitness Zoom classes
Gym Membership Discount programs
Financial Fitness classes and private consultations
Wellbeing in Creative Arts and Entertainment
Supports the health, safety and wellbeing of entertainment workers on and off the picket lines.
