Yes, most actors are eligible to collect unemployment benefits. If you have enough points to meet the minimum requirements, you can get the maximum unemployment for up to 26 weeks. You will need to check with your state’s department of labor to see if you are eligible.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, almost all performances have been canceled. The Actor’s Equity union has urged actors across the country to file for unemployment to ensure some semblance of financial stability. The laws on unemployment differ between states and so the benefits that you are eligible for will vary according to where you live.
There have been many issues with actors and unemployment during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in California. Their unemployment system counts residual income from work completed in the past against their current benefits plan. This means that some actors are losing their benefits.