COVID-19 Resources for Musicians

For the latest COVID-19 news and updates, please visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website.


Loss of Work Due to COVID-19

If you have experienced canceled work services or reduced hours, need to care for a family member who has contracted COVID-19, can no longer work full time because your child's school has closed, or if you become sick or quarantined due to coronavirus, you may be eligible to file a claim with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Review our Musicians FAQ on Filing for Unemployment for more information on which benefits you may be eligible to receive and for answers to frequently asked questions.



Emergency Relief for AFM Members

AFM Local 47 Relief Fund - available to AFM Local 47 members in good standing for at least one year who are suffering from illness or injury that prevents them from working, or who lack the funds to pay for necessities such as food or rent

AFM Musicians' Relief Fund - up to $300 for AFM members who are primarily freelancers; see link for full requirements (applications temporarily closed; check back for updates)

AFM James Petrillo Fund - available to AFM members diagnosed with COVID-19 by a medical doctor or who cannot work due to another illness or disability



Additional Grants & Relief for Musicians

The Actors Fund - for everyone (not just actors!) in entertainment; available to union and non-union entertainment workers

Artist Relief - offering $5,000 emergency grants to artists

Artist Relief Project - open to any artist in any discipline whose income has been impacted by COVID19-related cancellations and closures

Black Business Grants & Minority Resources - free SEO analysis, advice and planning recommendations for Black-owned and minority-owned businesses with websites

California Jazz Foundation - emergency financial assistance and/or emergency medical referrals for jazz musicians

California Arts Council Grant Programs - several grants available for individuals and arts service organizations

Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund - for experimental artists who have experienced postponed or canceled engagements due to COVID-19 (ends on September 15, 2021)

Freelancers Union Relief Fund - up to $1,000 for freelancers, sole proprietors, limited liability companies, or other single-person entity (applications temporarily closed; check back for updates)

Freelance Artist Resources - a list of additional resources for freelance artists

Jazz Foundation of America Musicians' Emergency Fund

LA Regional COVID Fund - grants for micro-entrepreneurs and small businesseses located in Los Angeles County

Marketing Grant for Artists - free SEO analysis and recommendations for artists with websites

Motion Picture Television Fund - call the intake line to learn what assistance is available to you: 323.634.3888

Music Covid Relief - a resource for musicians to access information and applications for benefits made available by the CARES Act

MusiCares / Recording Academy COVID-19 Relief Fund

Musicians Foundation CV19 Emergency Relief Aid Grant - $200 grants for professional performers, educators and composers whose principal income has been derived from your work as a musician for the past 5 years

SONA Songwriter Assistance Fund - emergency grants of $1,000 to qualified songwriters who have suffered work cancellation and other financial losses as result of the coronavirus pandemic

Sweet Relief COVID-19 Fund - for musicians with at least 50% of all income is derived from working within the music community

Union Plus Hardship Help - assistance for union members




Community Relief Resources

Labor Community Services COVID Resources - includes links to affordable health care, housing help and more

Labor Community Services Food Distributions - open to all union members

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank - find a local food pantry

Mortgage Relief - Fannie Mae, Fannie Mae Loan Lookup | Freddie Mac, Freddie Mac Loan Lookup

One Degree COVID-19 Resource Guide - community resources for residents of Los Angeles County and San Francisco Bay Area



COVID-19 Health Resources & Information

COVID-19 Vaccine Signup - LA County Department of Health - View your eligibility, get more information, and book vaccination appointments; the vaccine is free for all eligbile persons

Vaccine FAQ - the LA Fed has gathered information from the medical experts about the effectiveness and safety of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines

10 Creative Ways Musicians Can Earn Money from Home During COVID-19

U.S. Equal Opportunity Emloyment Commission - What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws

Department of Industrial Relations: COVID-19 FAQs on laws enforced by CA Labor Commissioner's Office

Department of Managed Healthcare: Coverage Options

Free COVID-19 Testing - offered by the County of Los Angeles

Health & Welfare Fund: Information for Kaiser, Blue Shield, and Delta Dental participants

How Musicians Can Stay Healthy During Covid-19

How to Properly Wash Your Hands

ICSOM Guidance on the application of force majeure

Labor & Workforce Development Agency: Guidance for Employers and Workers

Music Unites Us - ASCAP COVID-19 resources

Navigating Workers' Compensation During COVID-19

Office of Business & Economic Development