MPTF offers temporary financial assistance to qualified industry members who have a demonstratable financial need due to unforeseen circumstances. This temporary assistance may help towards such basic living expenses as mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, car insurance premiums, car payments, and food.

In general, qualified is defined as seven qualifying years of entertainment industry employment, but because the definition of “qualifying” is not one-size-fits all, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. You are encouraged to call MPTF to find out if you qualify and what programs you qualify for. MPTF works to ensure access to the broadest and most appropriate range of services within MPTF as well as local, state, and federal resources. All financial assistance services are provided in a non-judgmental and supportive environment with the goal of empowering you to better manage your financial well-being.

If you are under age 65: 323-634-3888
If you are 65 and over: 323-634-3866

You will speak to an MPTF social worker who will assess your eligibility and specific needs or circumstances.

Eligible Participants who are vested in the Motion Picture Industry Individual Account Plan (“IAP” or “Plan”) as of the year ending December 2023 will be able to apply for a one-time special early withdrawal of up to 20% of their 2023 IAP account balance. This amount is not to exceed a maximum dollar limit of $20,000. This is a one-time hardship withdrawal provision. Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2024.

More details about IAP Hardship Withdrawal relief can be found here.

The IAP Hardship Withdrawal application form can be found on the MPI website under Forms.

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Labor Community Services has been assisting unemployed and underemployed union families with groceries through food distributions, as well as other services, for six decades. You can use this intake form to request assistance.

If you are a member of First Entertainment Credit Union, you can take advantage of hardship assistance programs such as:

Skip-A-Pay, which allows you to skip a payment on an auto or personal loan that you have through the credit union

Stretch Loans, which are a lower cost alternative to payday loans to help cover costs between paychecks. Loans are available for $200 or $400.

Also offered are free financial counseling and financial education resources.

Maravilla Foundation offers utility and water bill assistance in Southern California.

Burbank Temporary Aid Center offers rent and utility assistance for Burbank residents.

Jewish Free Loan Association offers zero fee, zero interest personal/emergency loans up to $12,000 with two qualified guarantors.

Entertainment Community Fund provides access to emergency financial services to qualified applicants through its Entertainment Assistance Program. Any performing arts or entertainment professional across the country may call on the Entertainment Assistance Program for support, information or referrals to community agencies. For financial assistance you will need to fill out an application, provide documentation of your professional earnings, and be interviewed. More information can be found at the Financial Assistance FAQs.

Union members who participate in the Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or supplemental insurance programs may be eligible for hardship assistance through Union Plus Hardship Help programs. Services include mortgage assistance, layoff and furlough grants, hospital grants, and more.

Union Plus also offers a variety of benefits and discounts to all union members.