The Foundation offers several Emergency Financial Assistance Programs to eligible, dues-paying SAG-AFTRA members who are in urgent financial need due to an unexpected life crisis, such as a natural disaster, accident, health crisis creating a financial burden, loss of work due to an illness, loss of housing due to an eviction, death in the family, or other emergency crisis situations covered under IRS guidelines which pertain to granting tax-free monies to individuals.

Given the unconventional nature of working in the performing arts, where work is never a guarantee, many artists must rely on second and third jobs for income, and we are unable to provide Emergency Financial Assistance Grants simply due to lack of work or unemployment. The Foundation is restricted from paying union dues with these emergency funds.

In the application, members must explain the nature of the life crisis, as succinctly as possible, and show proof of the cause of the financial hardship, e.g. copy of 30 day notice given by landlord or proof of an accident that has occurred.

Emergency Financial Assistance Grants are also available to dues-paying qualified SAG-AFTRA members who have recently contracted COVID-19 and lose pay or a job due to the COVID diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed and are unable to audition, you may also qualify.

Members must be able to show proof of a positive COVID-19 lab test (not a home test) or a letter from the doctor confirming the diagnosis as well as written notification from their employer stating they are unable to work and will not receive pay, or notification that they are unable to return to work due to testing positive for COVID-19.

All applications are confidential and anonymous.

Please read through ALL of the eligibility requirements before applying for an emergency financial assistance grant. 

If you have questions, please email assistance@sagaftra.foundation or call 323-549-6773.