FAQs for Financial Assistance

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need.
• To assist towards basic living expenses, such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs.

We do take into consideration:

• If you can cover your expenses for the next few months, you many not be eligible at this time.
• Please access all personal and community resources prior to applying. 
• If you are able to work, we expect that you are making all efforts to secure work, both within and outside of the industry. 

Eligibility is based on:

• Performing Arts and Entertainment earned income criteria 
• Documented financial need
• An unexpected critical need
• A social service assessment of need and circumstance 

• Documentation of professional performing arts and entertainment earnings within theater, film, television, music, radio and dance for the most recent six consecutive years (2019−2024).
  
  and
  
  At least three separate years must document an annual income of a minimum of $10,000.
  • Example:
    2024: $15,000 – Eligible year
    2023: $8,000
    2022: $30,000 – Eligible year
    2021: $17,000 – Eligible year
    2020: $5,000
    2019: $4,000
     
• For those 60 years and older, documented 20 years of performing arts income with a minimum of 10 years of at least $5,000 in annual earnings.
• Dancers whose primary earnings are from freelance dance, documented income for the most recent six consecutive years and annual earnings of at least $5,000 for three separate years out of the most recent six years.

• Documented inability to pay current basic expenses due to unexpected circumstances, such as:
  • Significant illness, accident or injury
  • Eviction prevention 
  • Family emergency
• Liquid assets for individuals of less than $10,000 and couples or families of less than $15,000. 
• If income is through social security, disability and/or pensions and your income is insufficient to meet basic expenses.
• If you can cover your expenses for the next few months, you may not be eligible at this time.

Each applicant will meet (in person or virtually) with a social services staff member to:

• Review your application
• Understand your current situation and your plan to address your circumstances
• Develop a plan to address current situation, which could include referral to other agencies and community resources 

Eligibility is based on earnings in performing arts and entertainment industries including theater, film, television, radio, dance and music.  

Employment in or for social media, marketing, advertising, sports, gaming, fashion, teaching, publishing, performing or producing for private venues or religious institutions, is not included.  

This is not an inclusive list. If you have questions regarding your eligibility, please contact our intake department.

Accepted income documentation:

• Union pension and Health Statements 
• W-2s 
• 1099s 
• Paystubs

We are not able to accept these documents:

• Contracts
• Online payments such as Venmo, PayPal or Zelle
• Invoices

We can assist towards:

• Housing
• Utilities
• Telephone
• Transportation
• Health Care

We cannot assist towards:

• Credit Cards
• Personal and Student Loans
• Taxes
• Alimony or Child Support
• Tuition
• Life Insurance
• Storage
• Business Expenses e.g.: union dues
• Pet Expenses

• Each partner program has specific eligibility criteria. Please read the information carefully to determine if you are eligible on our website at emergency financial assistance page.
• Complete only one application for all funds for which you are eligible.

No.

• Government issued identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport, work visa)
• Earned Industry Income (pension and health statements, W2, 1099, paystubs)
• Most recent personal checking and savings account statements (PDFs preferred). Screenshots are not allowed. Full statements with transactions are required 
• The first two pages of most recent Federal Tax return (1040 form)
• Lease or mortgage and bills for which you are seeking assistance 
• If applicable:
  • Union Card or verification letter 
  • Medical, accident or circumstantial documentation
• Additional documentation may be required upon review

The application includes narrative fields in which to explain your situation. If you do not have the requested documents, please let us know why. Please be aware that submitting an incomplete application will slow down our ability to respond quickly and may result in our inability to provide assistance.

All documents need to be digitized and ready to upload before you begin filling out the application. Suggested steps to create a digital file:

• Please use a scanner to digitize your documents into PDF files. Save files on your computer for uploading during the application process.
• If a scanning device is not available and you have a smartphone, you can search the app store for applications that will allow you to turn pictures that you take with your smartphone into PDF files (i.e. Search “Image to PDF” or “PDF maker” in the app store of your device)
  • If you are taking pictures of your documents using your smartphone, please be sure that all information is legible. 

Our response time varies based on the number of applications, calls and emails we receive and if the application requires further documentation or clarification. Currently, we will respond to your application within five business days. An assessment with a social worker is required and will be scheduled after your application is received.

Payment is through an online transfer called J.P. Morgan Concourse. To receive a grant, you will need a United States bank account and a valid email address.

At this time, for professionals who are able to work, we will consider a maximum of three grants within 10 years. Each application is reviewed and determined based on current critical circumstances, documented need and social services assessment. There must be a minimum of 12 months between grant disbursements. 

If you should reapply, and are able to work, it is expected that you share your efforts to secure employment within or outside the industry to cover expenses. 

If you are applying due a health issue that is preventing you from working, the frequency of grants will be based on the social work assessment and your particular situation.