Local 586 members,
Here at AFM Local 586 we are very sympathetic to musicians during these challenging times. We have been working diligently to provide you with as much support as possible. Here is a list of resources to assist you in obtaining current informational materials to aid you in obtaining monetary relief. We encourage you to monitor these sites as new information is constantly being changed and added.
AFM Local 586 would like forward you a list of resources to check out.
1) – https://www.afm.org/
2) – https://musiccovidrelief.com/
3) – https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/musicares-coronavirus-relief-fund
4) – https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual
5) – https://des.az.gov/services/coronavirus
6) – https://des.az.gov/sites/default/files/media/UI_Extension_CARES_Act.pdf?time=1585890682319
It seems as if DES is under lots of pressure and their rules and guidelines are constantly changing. A recent report stated that during normal conditions someone filing for unemployment relief usually has to wait 14 days until they start receiving their benefits. As of now, 6.6 million people have filed for unemployment. We would anticipate that one who has just filed for unemployment might be subject to a longer waiting period.
At Local 586 we will be glad to place you on our “at liberty” list. The “at liberty” list states that you are an out of work musician and you are looking for work. If you have not received a W2 from Local 586, Local 586 does not qualify to be your employer. 1099 tax filers are there own employer. When filling out your unemployment form and you have filed your taxes as self-employed (1099 income), you might want to list yourself as last employer. Everyone’s situation will be different so it would be best to consult with DES.
Remember, applying for unemployment benefits is a relationship between DES and the 1099 and/or W2 employee. There is no way for Local 586 to address each person’s specific situation with regards to his or her application. We will try to help you as best we can but that really is the job of DES. Some other musician’s have made it work with DES but as stated earlier each situation is different.
Check in often with these sites as new information is constantly being posted. We do not work for DES and we would hate to give you wrong information.
Thank you,
Local 586