Emergency help on the way for SAG-AFTRA members affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The Screen Actors Guild Foundation on Monday announced it has partnered with the Screen Actors Guild Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund to create a Superstorm Sandy Emergency Assistance Fund. It will provide financial support grants to active SAG-AFTRA members affected by the megastorm.

Affected and eligible SAG-AFTRA members may apply for cash grants of up to $2,400 from the SAG Foundation and an additional $2,400 from the SAG MPPWF, for potential assistance grants of up to $4,800 per person upon approval.

Members are eligible to apply if they are currently active and have paid their dues through the May 2012 billing cycle.

The SAG Foundation provided initial funding through a $100,000 contribution that is being matched by an identical $100,000 from the SAG Welfare Fund, for a total available assistance pool of $200,000.

The Actors Fund is partnering with the SAG Foundation and SAG MPPWF to provide social services and coordinate the grant reviews and approvals.

Also read: Guest Blog: Hurricane Sandy, First-Person: The Storm That Split New York in Half [4]

Checks will be made available for in-person pick-up at SAG-AFTRA’s New York local office within days.

The eligibility process has been minimized to speed relief to those in need and consists of a quick, confidential and non-invasive application and consultation to establish need. During the consultation, the social services professionals will also assess each applicant’s need for additional assistance, programs or services.

“This was a devastating crisis and people throughout the area are having a very tough time,” actor and SAG Foundation board member Ron Perlman said in a statement. “That’s why we’re here -- to lend a helping hand to SAG-AFTRA members in their time of need. Actors, broadcasters, sound-recording artists are all eligible to apply, and I look forward to getting help to all SAG-AFTRA members.”

Members in need can apply by contacting the Actors Fund intake services by calling (212)  221-7300, ext. 119, or emailing intakeny@actorsfund.org [5]

No SAG-AFTRA membership dues are being used to service or administer the Superstorm Sandy Emergency Assistance Fund.

The SAG Foundation is accepting donations directed to the Superstorm Sandy Emergency Assistance Fund from individuals and corporate donors who may wish to help provide relief to hard-hit SAG-AFTRA members in the affected areas. Contributions may be made by clicking here.