Beneficiary Information
The AFM & SAG-AFTRA IPRD Fund pays royalties to non-featured musicians and vocalists, as well as to featured symphonic musicians in the U.S. (or to their Beneficiaries), for music aired digitally on U.S. satellite/cable/internet radio, and to both featured and non-featured musicians and vocalists (or their Beneficiaries) whose music is aired on television/movies in Spain and Germany.
Upon the passing of a Fund participant artist, the HEIRS or the LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE of the artist’s estate will be required to file a claim with the Fund to receive any royalties otherwise owed to the decedent, together with supporting documents that demonstrate their right to succeed to such payments. To begin the beneficiary claims process, the Heirs or Legal Representative must complete the Beneficiary Claimant Questionnaire and ApplicationThis form is available by clicking on the link, or by calling 818-255-7980, ext. 2. You will be contacted to discuss the beneficiary assignment process after the Fund receives your completed form. The Fund is not in a position to offer legal advice. We encourage you to consult an attorney for any questions of a legal nature.
IMPORTANT: Please call the Fund for assistance completing the Forms.
The Fund no longer uses beneficiary designation cards (except where the Participant filed a card with the Fund and died before November 1, 2014). In every other case, Heirs or Legal Representative will be required to follow the Fund’s claim procedure.
Please contact the Fund at 818-255-7980, ext. 2, if you have any questions.
FAQ
What is the Fund?
The AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund ("Fund") distributes digital performance and audio home recording royalties to session musicians and vocalists, as well as certain other foreign royalties payable to performers.
If I Become Entitled to Royalties After My Death, Will the Fund Pay My Heirs/Successors?
Yes, if you become entitled to royalties after your death, the Fund will pay your royalties to a person or persons who are entitled, under the law of the state where you were living at the time of death, to receive payments owed to you. However, they must file a claim with the Fund, and provide appropriate documentation demonstrating their right to payment.
How Do My Heirs or Successors File a Claim with the Fund?
The Fund’s Claimant Questionnaire and Application explains the process and helps determine what documentation is necessary. Documentation will vary, depending on whether your heir or successor is entitled to payment pursuant to 1) your will; 2) a trust you created; 3) your state’s simplified procedures for small estates; 4) your state’s law of intestacy; or 5) some other basis. Your heir or successor simply fills out the form and provides the documentation.
IMPORTANT: Please call the Fund for assistance completing the Forms.
Beneficiary Claimant Questionnaire and Application is available by clicking on the link, or can be obtained by calling the Fund at 818-255-7980,, ext. 2.
What If I Filed a Beneficiary Designation Card with the Fund in the Past?
The Fund no longer uses beneficiary designation cards for any person whose date of death is on or after November 1, 2014. Heirs or successors of such persons must file a claim with the Fund and demonstrate their entitlement to payment under state law as described in the Claimant Questionnaire and Application.
In the case of a person whose date of death is prior to November 1, 2014, the Fund will use a beneficiary designation card previously filed with the Fund, or, if there is no beneficiary designation card on file, the heir or successor must file a claim as described above.