The standard Pioneers Assistance Fund programs are still in place, so if you have a need that is NOT due to the COVID-19 crises or a natural disaster, please let us know through the Contact Us page

About the fund

The Pioneers Assistance Fund (PAF) serves members of the motion picture entertainment industry (exhibition, distribution and trade services) who are encountering an illness, injury or life-changing event. All assistance is intended to provide support during a recovery or adjustment period and lay the foundation for a lifetime of ongoing success.

To request assistance for financial aid, please call (888) 994-3863, ext. 6003, or email us. A social worker will contact you to set up a phone interview to discuss eligibility and the application process. In most cases, grants can be processed between 3-5 business days after we receive the completed application.

Assistance Programs

The Pioneers Assistance Fund provides financial aid to motion picture entertainment veterans of exhibition, distribution and trade services who are encountering an illness, transition, accident or injury. A team of social workers confidentially assess the needs and financial difficulties of film industry veterans. Financial aid to support the individual’s health and well being is provided when income and assets are limited. Financial aid is not available to treat alcohol or substance abuse.

To request an application for financial aid call (888) 994-3863, ext. 2390, or email us.

SOCIAL SERVICE CONSULTATIONS

Consultations include:

Comprehensive Care Assessment
Federal/State Benefits Screening
Health Insurance Advice
Elder Care Guidance
Education
Advocacy
Supportive Counseling
Bereavement Counseling

SALAH HASSANEIN MEDICAL GRANT

Temporary financial aid for:

Physician Fees
Diagnostic Tests
Medications
Home Health Care
Physical Therapy
Psychotherapy
Health Insurance

Requires five recent, qualifying years of employment in the motion picture entertainment industry.

EQUIPMENT AID

Temporary grants for:

Hearing Aids
Orthotics
Mobility Aids
Assisted Devices
Home Health Supplies
Bath Safety Aids
Emergency Call System

Requires five recent, qualifying years of employment in the motion picture entertainment industry.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Temporary financial aid for:

Skill Analysis
Career Counseling
Retraining
Job-Seeking Advice

Requires ten recent, qualifying years of employment in the motion picture entertainment industry.

BERNIE MYERSON EMERGENCY GRANT

Temporary financial aid for:

Housing
Utilities
Food
Burial or Cremation

Requires five recent, qualifying years of employment in the motion picture entertainment industry.

TOM SHERAK PIONEER GRANT

Monthly stipend for frail or disabled low income senior veterans.

This program requires a lengthy career in the motion picture entertainment industry prior to retirement. Applicants must be at least 60 years of age, unless permanently disabled with extenuating circumstances.

My husband’s health declined rapidly after we retired, the PAF social workers explained to us how to advocate for the care he needed while in rehabilitation.
When my mother became ill and needed hospitalization, the PAF social workers helped me to understand her Medicare payments and rights to care. I don’t know how I would of done it without them

- Theatre Employee
I called the PAF for a colleague who was ill and getting behind on his mortgage. The social workers talked about eligibility and encouraged me to tell my colleague to call for support. They were able to help him until he was back on his feet.

- Film Executive
As I struggled to understand my daughter’s mental illness a colleague suggested I call the PAF for a confidential consultation. The social worker explained my daughter’s options and pointed me in the right direction for treatment. It was reassuring knowing I had someone to get clear guidance on a tough issue.

- Studio Marketing Executive
The jobs in my field were few and far between so I decided to start a sideline career as a security guard to help me pay the bills. Thankfully, the PAF provided a grant for the online training I needed.

- Set Dresser
My mouth was in constant pain from periodontal disease but I could not afford the expensive treatment I needed. The PAF helped pay the costs which really improved my overall health.

- Senior Contract Administrator
One of my employees seemed to be distracted and inconsistent in his work after the death of his father. I spoke to a social worker at the PAF who gave me referrals for grief counseling and offered to speak with my employee to help him through this challenging time.

- Exhibitor Manager
My husband’s sudden death left me drained, both financially and emotionally. The PAF not only assisted with burial expenses but also provided supportive bereavement counseling to me and my daughters.

- Marketing Coordinator
My back problems became too much to bear and I had to file for disability. As I waited for payments I used up all my savings. I would have lost my home if the PAF hadn’t helped with my mortgage payment to prevent foreclosure.

- Exhibitor Employee
After becoming permanently disabled, I needed to reduce my expenses. The PAF social workers helped me create a monthly budget so I could keep track of my spending, have enough to pay my bills, and even put away a little for a rainy day.

- Film Buyer