COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Resources for Musicians, Event Professionals and other Self-Employed Freelancers

We know this is an extremely difficult time for our community of musicians and music industry adjacent professionals, and we want you to know that we are here to support you as best we can.

We have put together the following list of resources for freelancers to help you find the financial, legal, and mental health support you may be seeking right now. Our goal is to update this page as new information becomes available from federal, state and local governments, as well as from non-profits and other organizations who are providing relief for freelancers. Check back regularly for updates.

All information provided below is current as of July 10, 2020.

Financial Resources

PA Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – Pennsylvania has finally launched its application to allow self-employed individuals to apply for unemployment compensation. You can FILE ONLINE HERE. As of April 23, 2020, the site is only accepting applications and is not giving a determination of eligibility. However, the Office of Unemployment Compensation gives this guidance about who is covered under PUA:

Individuals covered under PUA include the self-employed (e.g. independent contractors, gig economy workers, and workers for certain religious entities), those seeking part-time employment, individuals lacking sufficient work history, and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits.

If you are uncertain if you should file for PUA (or regular unemployment compensation) or if you have other questions about PUA, you can visit the FAQ page on the PA PUA website.

Be sure to check the PUA update page on the website regularly for the most recent information about the program, as well as what documentation you will need to file your application.

SBA Covid-19 Disaster Assistance – Under the CARES Act passed on March 27, 2020, independent contractors, gig workers, and freelancers affected by the coronavirus crisis are eligible to receive a government grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) of $1,000. The SBA sometimes refers to these grants as “advances,” but you are not required to repay this money to the government.

Essentially, the way it works is that you apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Recovery Loan, and you receive a $1,000 “advance” on that loan. You do not have to repay the advance, and you can choose to accept or decline whatever low-interest loan you are approved for. You can find the application on the SBA’s website here.

Also, this helpful article from Forbes explains how to fill out the application.

Philadelphia Musicians Relief Fund – The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 77 has launched the fund to help Philadelphia musicians who have been financially impacted by lost work. As of April 19, 2020, they have given over $41,000 to those in need. You can find the Musician’s Relief Fund application on their website here. If you would like to donate to the fund, visit their GoFundMe page.

COVID-19 Arts Aid PHL Fund – The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance has announced a partnership with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund (PCF) to support artists and arts organizations in the Philadelphia region. Applications will open in the upcoming weeks, with applications first being opened for individual artists and small organizations, where the need for support is particularly urgent. You can sign up for updates here, and information about guidelines, application open dates, and deadlines will be provided as they become available.

Petrillo Fund Financial Assistance (for AFM members) – This fund administered by the American Federation of Musicians applied to members diagnosed with COVID-19 and members who test positive for COVID-19 and are quarantined. You can find the application online at the AFM website.

For more financial resources, please see the comprehensive COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources Website referenced in the next section.

General Resources

COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources Website – Rather than reinvent the wheel, we suggest that you check out this website, which provides extensive links to emergency funding, legal resources, working and teaching online, health and mental health resources, as well as state-specific financial resources and grant-making organizations.

Transitioning Your Music Business Online ASAP – This comprehensive article discusses how to make the transition to being an online musician as quickly as possible and how to find new audiences and people to buy your online services.

If you are in need of food:

The City of Philadelphia is providing free, nutritious food for any resident in need. Visit the City’s website for information about food pick-up sites.
Philabundance is also providing food for individuals and individuals in need. Visit their website for more information.

Utility bill relief:

PECO is suspending fees for delays in bills and service shut-offs until further notice.
Philadelphia Gas Works is suspending non-payment terminations and will waive new late payment charges. This termination moratorium will remain in place until further notice.
Philadelphia Water Department is also suspending non-payment terminations and plans to waive new late payment charges. This termination moratorium will remain in place until August 31, 2020. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers. Click here for the latest PWD updates related to COVID-19.