Covid-19 Information

The spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. The PRS Members’ Fund is here to reassure PRS members that we will continue to offer our services and support, wherever possible.

Unfortunately, we are unable to compensate for any loss of earnings.

The global Covid-19 situation has put a strain on all our daily lives, especially for those who work in the music industry and already have an uncertain income and career. We know from calls already being received that many PRS members are worried about the impact of the virus on their well-being and finances, especially having to self-isolate and take time off work.

Below are some useful resources on how to stay informed with the latest updates as well as to how the Fund may be able to support you.

STAY INFORMED

To stay updated with the latest guidance from the Government follow the advice here.

In order to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 observe the advice on the NHS website here.

Some of the most important actions to take are:

Hygiene precautions
Feeling unwell / self-isolation
Travel advice

WAYS WE CAN HELP

We provide support and advice to PRS members and their families who are struggling financially, physically or emotionally and are in need of help.

Unfortunately, we are not able to replace any loss of earnings caused by the current Covid-19 crisis.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: we require that applicants have held PRS membership for at least seven years or have earned £500 in royalties for us to consider their request.

You can find more about us on our website www.prsmembersfund.com

If you need help get in touch! Call +44(0) 20 3741 4067 or contact us at fund@prsformusic.com

We treat every application in the strictest of confidence and will offer appropriate help once we’ve considered individual income, expenditure and circumstances.

KEY AREAS OF SUPPORT:

Sheltered housing
Financial support
Crisis grants
Career change advice
Mental health support
Physical health assessment
Winter heating scheme

WE CANNOT HELP WITH

Compensation for any loss of earnings
The costs of buying a home
Promotion costs of any commercial venture
Supporting composers who don’t have any other employment

ACCESS TO BENEFITS

If you are prevented form working because you may be a risk to public health, or if you need to self-isolate, you may be able to apply for sick pay or benefits from the Government.

The government has confirmed that Statutory Sick Pay will be made available from day one for those affected by Coronavirus when self-isolating, instead of day four.

Statutory Sick Pay will be paid to all those who choose to self-isolate, even if they don’t have symptoms.

if you are unable to claim Statutory Sick Pay, you can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and/or Universal Credit. The Department for Work & Pensions have stated that self-employed claimants on Universal Credit who are required to stay at home or are ill as a result of Coronavirus will not have a Minimum Income Floor (an assumed level of income) applied for a period of time while affected.

For those that do not qualify for Statutory Sick Pay, such as gig-economy workers, self-employed people and those on zero-hours contracts, please consult the Department for Work and Pensions latest guidance.