A Coogan account is a special bank account required for minor performers working in the entertainment industry. It helps protect a portion of their earnings until they reach adulthood.
States requiring Coogan accounts
Coogan accounts are legally required in these states:
California
New York
Louisiana
New Mexico
Illinois
Wrapbook cannot disburse payments to minors without a valid Coogan account in states where it's required by law.
How to set up a Coogan account
To set up a Coogan account:
In the left-side navigation, click Settings
Next to Payment methods, click Edit
In the Add bank account popup, enter the required information, then click the Add bank account button
On the Primary Payment Method page, click add bank account
Add the required information, then click Add bank account
When setting up a Coogan account, note the following:
The account for the parent and the child cannot have the same email address
The bank account must be a specialized Coogan account, or pay will not be disbursed
Key Information
Coogan accounts can only receive payments via ACH
A percentage of the minor's wages will automatically be deposited into the Coogan account as required by state law
If agency fees apply, they will be calculated based on the total wages before the Coogan account distribution
Some background actor roles may not require a Coogan account - check your state's specific requirements
Troubleshooting
If you receive an ACH return, verify that the bank account provided is specifically designated as a Coogan account:
Ensure all banking information is entered correctly
Confirm the minor's profile and parent/guardian information are properly set up