How to tap the WGA strike funds and other financial aid during the writers strike

Ada Tseng
·5 min read
HOLLYWOOD, CA - MAY 2, 2023 - WGA members walk the picket line on the first day of their strike in front of Paramount Studios in Hollywood on May 2, 2023. The union were unable to reach a last minute-accord with the major studios on a new three-year contract to replace one that expired Monday night. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
WGA members walk the picket line on the first day of their strike in front of Paramount Studios in Hollywood on May 2. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

For the record:
4:47 p.m. May 2, 2023: A previous version of this story stated that former members of the WGA needed to pay an annual fee to qualify for loans from the WGAW Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund. Former members do not have to pay for this service.

Now that the Writers Guild of America is on strike, where can its members turn for help paying the bills?

According to WGA strike rules, a strike means "no writing services—including pitching and development ... may be performed for a struck company by a Guild member."

The Guild cannot require members to stop performing duties unrelated to writing, but many workers throughout the industry will be financially affected by the shutdowns that will inevitably follow the strike.

In most states, including California, employees on strike are not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits because they are still considered employed. One exception is that employees in New York can file for unemployment after a two-week waiting period.

Because Hollywood is a gig industry where pockets of unemployment are not uncommon, most applications for financial help during the strike will require proof of significant hardship. For those in need, here are some options to consider.

WGA strike funds

Both the East and West branches of the WGA have strike funds, which they plan to distribute as loans or grants. Union members can find more details on the criteria for no-interest or low-interest loans on the Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East websites.

As of March 2022, the Writers Guild of America West had collected over $20 million in strike funds, according to its most recent annual report. These funds are administered by the WGA Strike Fund Committee. A Strike Fund contact form is also available on the website.

The Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund

The Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund has offered temporary assistance in the form of interest-free loans for Writers Guild of America West members since 2005.

The loans, which are administered by the Motion Picture & Television Fund, are available to current and former members who are experiencing acute financial distress. Applicants may receive as many as two loans of up to $7,000 each, for a total lifetime amount of $14,000.

To begin the process, contact the Motion Picture & Television Fund Community Social Services by calling (323) 634-3888 to leave a message. A professional will call back in about a day — later if the call volume is high.

Eligible applicants will receive a case plan and loan recommendations that will be submitted for consideration. If applicants are rejected, they will be informed of the reasons why and provided with additional referrals.

Motion Picture & Television Fund grants

Created by Mary Pickford and other top Hollywood figures in 1921, a few years before sound came to motion pictures, the MPTF is a charitable relief organization funded by contributions from the entertainment industry. Among other things, the fund offers grants to anyone working in the entertainment industry who falls on hard times.

Any entertainment industry worker with a "demonstratable financial need" stemming from the WGA strike can apply for temporary help. Decisions about eligibility and grant amounts are made on a case-by-case basis. Counseling, confidential help and referrals to other resources are also available.

To apply, call the fund at (323) 634-3888 or toll free at (855) 760-6783, or email info@mptf.com.

Entertainment Community Fund’s emergency financial assistance program

The Entertainment Community Fund’s emergency financial assistance program offers emergency financial assistance to support performing arts workers who are unable to pay their basic living expenses. This includes housing, food, utility bills and healthcare.

These funds are available for both union and nonunion workers, but applicants need to provide documentation to prove that they have a history of earnings in professional performing arts and entertainment. Eligibility depends on how long the applicant has worked in the industry and the type of work performed.

Through this website, applicants can also apply for funds for:

“For over 140 years, the Entertainment Community Fund has been a safety net for those working in the performing arts and entertainment community, including in times of greater need," said Joe Benincasa, president and CEO of the Entertainment Community Fund.

The Entertainment Community Fund also offers help with health insurance coverage and mental health support, he said.

Applications and more information can be found on the Entertainment Community Fund website. You can also make a tax-deductible donation to support the Entertainment Community Fund.

Union Plus

The WGA also recommended Union Plus as a resource for Writers Guild of America East members.

Union Privilege is a nonprofit that provides Union Plus benefit programs exclusively to union members and their families. Those who have previously signed up for the programs can apply to receive benefits.

Union Plus credit card and loan holders can apply to get $500 as assistance. Those who have been Union Plus mortgage holders for at least 12 consecutive months can receive up to six monthly mortgage payments as a grant during a union-approved strike.

Other support for Union Plus participants includes layoff or furlough assistance, credit card counseling, hospital grants and medical bill negotiating services.

SAG-AFTRA Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance Programs

Though the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Emergency Financial Assistance funds are not specific to the writers' strike, there is support if SAG-AFTRA members find themselves in urgent financial need due to an unexpected life crisis.

Hardships covered by these funds include a “natural disaster, accident, catastrophic illness/injury, emergency medical bills not covered by insurance, house fire, eviction, evacuation, death in the family” and more. Email assistance@sagaftra.foundation or call (323) 549-6773 for more information.

If you have information about other funds that should be added to this list, email The Times Utility Journalism Team at utility@latimes.com.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.