Dear Friend,

If you have lost work due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance. Unemployment insurance provides partial wage replacement payments to eligible workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced. The unique nature of our industry means that some of you aren’t protected by current unemployment policies, but you may qualify and we encourage you to apply for benefits.

Unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits. Each state sets its own unemployment insurance benefits and eligibility guidelines.

Find details of your state’s program here.

To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to generally file a claim in the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states.
When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. Make sure you have gathered all that information to help complete your application.

Find details of your state’s program here.

AFM leadership & staff are working hard with other entertainment unions to expand benefits, but it’s important that your congressperson and senators also hear directly from you. Please contact your elected officials and urge them to provide economic support to creative professionals.

We will continue updating you as recommendations and other resources develop.

In Unity,
Ray Hair
AFM International President