Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1486263
24 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2022 | sagaftra.org For Members A Dues Relief Extension Program is available for members experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardship. Members can request a due date extension and installment plan for their November membership dues. Members recently received their SAG-AFTRA semi-annual November dues statement along with information on the due date extension and installment plan for those in need. Dec. 12, 2022, is the deadline to make your November dues payment to be eligible for SAG Awards ® voting and to receive For Your Consideration screeners. If you request COVID-19 hardship, you must make the request and your first dues installment payment no later than Dec. 12 to maintain good standing and be eligible for SAG Awards ® voting and screeners, unless prior period payments are owed. Making your payment by this date allows critical services of the union, such as residuals processing, legal advocacy and member support services, to continue without disruption. Please note that your request for a due date extension and the first installment payment must be received no later than Dec. 12 and your second installment (with the March 1 due date) must be received on or before March 13, respectively, to maintain good standing for the November 2022 dues period (assuming no prior dues period payments are owed). Refer to your billing statement for complete information. Please visit sagaftra.org/billing-portal to pay your dues. You can also pay by phone at (855) 736-0900 (have your SAG-AFTRA ID ready when calling). If you have a question about your dues bill, please call (866) 855-5191 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. PT). Election Eligibility Reminder In order to meet the November dues period good-standing eligibility requirement to be nominated for election as a national or local board officer, National Board member or local board member or convention delegate, members who opt to take advantage of the COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension by Dec. 12 must ensure that all November 2022 dues bill payments are made in compliance with the program. If your November dues payment is not received by Dec. 12, 2022, and you have not made a request for a dues extension by Dec. 12 or if your dues payments are not in compliance with the installment deadlines outlined previously, you will not be eligible to run for a national or local board office, National Board or local board or convention delegate position. Failure to pay dues in accordance with the COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension may also affect your ability to vote, nominate and participate in referenda. Visit sagaftra.org/billing-portal to make a dues payment or sign up for the extension plan. Dues Relief Extension Program and SAG Awards Deadline S ince the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, many people have been understandably concerned about the health implications. To help, the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan will now reimburse participants for travel needed to access reproductive health care in other states if it's not available in their state of residence. Starting Aug. 1, the reimbursement applies to travel expenses that are primarily for, and essential to, obtaining abortion services covered by the plan that are performed by a licensed medical provider. Travel expenses that are not primarily for and essential to obtaining covered abortion services are not covered. Covered expenses include transportation expenses for one caregiver or travel companion as well as lodging. The new benefit requires submitting receipts and has specific requirements, so before taking advantage of it, read all the details at sagaftraplans.org. Health Plan to Reimburse Travel for Abortion Services WEBINARS & PODCASTS Learn About Your Union B e in the know on the latest contract innovations and industry resources! SAG-AFTRA hosts regularly scheduled informational, training and career-building streaming webinars and podcasts — free to members. Recent topics include self-tape auditions, the role of field reps, working with low-budget contracts, the influencer agreement and much more. In recent weeks, the streaming series has also covered free supportive resources available to SAG-AFTRA members, the rise of dubbing opportunities and a "know your rights on set" review for performers with disabilities. Want advice from an acting coach or direction on finding a publicist? We've got podcast episodes for that! The podcast is also available in Spanish at sagaftra.org/podcastespanol. For a library of podcasts, visit sagaftra.org/podcasts and for the streaming series, visit sagaftra.org/videos or scan this QR code.