Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

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Home » International Musician » Unemployment Insurance Guidance for Musicians


Unemployment Insurance Guidance for Musicians

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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 the AFM encourages 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.

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 on the CareerOneStop website at https://bit.ly/2Wqh8Uo.







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