Connect

Coping with Covid

In addition to the information available on the WGAW’s COVID-19 Resource page, writers can find support through two upcoming webinars on filing for unemployment or disability and coping with addiction during these times.

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) will present a live webinar about paid family leave and disability benefits for writers who are sick or quarantined due to COVID-19, with multiple dates available throughout April and May. Other circumstances that may qualify writers for these programs will also be discussed. The same presentation is given on each date.

According to the EDD, these programs provide partial wage replacement ranging from $50 to $1,300 per week funded through the CA State Disability Insurance (SDI) payroll deduction.

The webinar (created and presented by the EDD) will cover eligibility, how to apply for benefits, how much leave is offered, and approximately how much money an employee can receive during leave. This webinar will use Adobe Connect. Each session is limited to 50 attendees, so please return to the RSVP page to choose another date if your first choice is unavailable. You will receive an email invitation before the event. RSVP here.

Additionally, in continuing its partnership with the WGAW and WGAE, Hollywood, Health & Society will present the next in its series of panel discussions—hosted via Zoom—that explore issues related to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, April 14 at 5 p.m. (PT) / 8 p.m. (ET), the discussion will be “Addiction in the Age of COVID-19,” which looks at treatment and recovery during these uncertain times. Space is limited, so please RSVP to attend.

Speakers will include:

  • Beau Willimon (co-moderator)—Award-winning creator and executive producer of The First (Hulu), House of Cards (Netflix); president, WGAE
  • Michael Winship (co-moderator)—Emmy Award-winning senior writer for Moyers & Company and Bill Moyers Journal; former president of WGAE
  • Dr. Leo Beletsky—Professor of law and health sciences and faculty director, Health in Justice Action Lab, Northeastern University
  • William C. Moyers—Vice president of public affairs and community relations for Hazelden Betty Ford