COVID-19 Resources for Freelancers, Workers & Artists

Resources for Freelancers, Workers and Artists

The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, along with the rest of City government, continues to do whatever we can to keep media, entertainment, and nightlife businesses informed about the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and resources.

• Do you need general COVID-19 information? Visit the NYC COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal for information about testing, vaccinations, masks and face coverings, and more. You can also text "COVID" to 392-392, call 311 or text 311 at 311-692.


• Are you an independent arts contractor (such as a touring musician) seeking a grant? Visit nysmallbusinessrecovery.com for information about New York State grants to small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations, including independent arts contractors, in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


• Do you need information about worker protection laws in NYC? The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection offers an FAQ for NYC Workers and an update about workplace laws for employers and employees to stop the spread of COVID-19. In addition, they have set up a Worker Protection Hotline at 311 or 1-212-436-0381 for questions about reopening or to report an employer that is not following reopening requirements.


• Do you need unemployment assistance? The New York State Department of Labor provides information and an application to receive temporary income while you search for a job.


• Do you need help in NYC with food, money, housing, work, and other government benefits? Visit the ACCESS NYC portal to find out if you are eligible and to apply for one or more of the City’s 30+ programs.


• Are you a nightlife worker seeking assistance from the City? Visit the Office of Nightlife webpage for information and resources including an archive of Town Calls on the impact of COVID-19 on media, entertainment, and nightlife businesses and workers.


• Do you need help finding health insurance? GetCoveredNYC helps New Yorkers enroll in health insurance with dedicated specialists who can assist you in your language. Complete the form to receive free health insurance enrollment assistance from a specialist. You can also call 311 or text CoveredNYC (SeguroNYC en Español) to 877877.


• Do you want free financial counseling? NYC Financial Empowerment Centers offer free, secure and confidential financial counseling over the phone. You can book an appointment at nyc.gov/TalkMoney.


• Are you an immigrant with questions? The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs provides services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions can be answered via a hotline available at (212) 788-7654 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and by emailing AskMOIA@cityhall.nyc.gov.


• Do you have a disability and need help with COVID-19 resources? Visit the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities resource page.


• Are you looking for mental health resources? Visit the NYS Office of Mental Health for resources and learn about the Office of Nightlife’s mental health initiative, Elevate Nightlife.