Benefits for AFGE Members

When you join the union, you have access to these AFGE benefits. These benefits are backed by the collective strength of over 10-million members of AFL-CIO unions. By using one or two of the programs, many members save as much as their annual dues.

These Money-Saving Benefits are Available Only to AFGE Members:

Union Member’s Financial Safety Net

We handle our members with care. 

Union Plus tailors its programs to the needs and interests of working families. When AFL-CIO union members are faced with special circumstances, we are here to help. Once we verify your special situation, we're committed to providing the assistance you need. 

If you currently participate in a Union Plus program and are a victim of a natural disaster, laid off, suffer from a prolonged illness or disability, you may be eligible for special benefits. 

CREDIT COUNSELING: 

You can get a FREE credit counseling session, budget analysis and advice to get back on the road to financial recovery. In addition, if after the initial session you need additional assistance to eliminate debt, your counselor will develop a customized Debt Management Plan (DMP) for you that allows you to consolidate all your debt into one monthly payment. You'll receive a 33% union-member discount on the set-up fee for a DMP. 

AFGE CREDIT CARD: 

Skip up to two monthly payments a year, as long as the account is in good standing. (Finance charges continue to accrue, but no penalty fees apply.)

To access the benefit: Call 1-800-622-2580 during each month you want to skip a payment. You must notify the bank you want to skip a payment, unless it is offered to you on your statement. 

The Union Plus Credit Card and Loan programs offer a layoff helpline to assist union members who have difficulties making payments on their Union Plus accounts due to temporary or permanent layoffs (available to credit card and loan program participants only).

Union Plus Credit Card Layoff Helpline:
1-800-551-2873

Union Plus Loan Program Layoff Helpline:
1-800-224-5920

Members can speak with a bank specialist who will evaluate their situation and determine the best solution to help them through this difficult time. The specialist will determine what assistance the member qualifies for based upon account history, payment history and credit record. The following help may be available:

• Skip payment options
• Interest rate reductions
• Short and long-term hardship programs
• Account settlements
• Credit counseling

HEALTH SAVINGS:

Receive a free membership in the Standard ($14.95) program - including discounts on retail and mail order prescriptions, vision care, hearing care and foot care.

To access the benefit: Call the Union Plus Health Savings program at 1-800-228-3523 and say you want to get a free membership as part of the "Union Plus disaster benefit".

UNION PLUS MORTGAGE:

You become eligible for special Mortgage Assistance Program benefits* one year after you receive a mortgage through the Union Plus Mortgage Program.

For workers who are laid off, disabled or involved in short-term (less than 90 days)  lockout:  

One year after receiving your Union Plus mortgage loan you become eligible to apply for an interest-free loan from the Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program to cover your monthly payment. Loans are made on the basis of need and cover up to six months of mortgage payments. (You must re-certify after 3 months.) Loans are interest-free and monthly payments begin one month after the last assistance program payment. If you sell or refinance your home, you must repay your loan in full at the time of the sale - if the proceeds of the sale or refinance exceed the value of the mortgage.

To access the benefit: Call the Union Plus Mortgage Program at 1-800-848-6466 as soon as you know that you will be unable to make your monthly payment. A mortgage assistance application will be mailed to you. To apply for a loan, complete the application and return it along with proof of your unemployment or disability. Upon receipt of your application, you will be contacted to discuss your circumstances and to request additional information, as needed. Decisions are normally made within a week after complete information is obtained.

UNION PLUS LIFE INSURANCE:

Life insurance premiums are waived for 3 months during lockouts or involuntary layoffs that last more than 30 consecutive days. The waived premium need never be repaid.

To access the benefit: Call 1-800-899-2782.

UNION PLUS LEGAL SERVICES:

For legal issues surrounding your layoff, contact your local AFGE representative. For other legal matters, access free expert advice with no enrollment fee or annual cost.

• A free consultation of up to 30 minutes (in-person or over the phone)
• A free review of select documents
• A free follow-up letter or phone call
• Additional services at a 30% discount

To access the benefit: Find a lawyer online or call 1-888-993-8886.

Access: This benefit is only available to members of AFGE. If you are a member of AFGE, please login to the Members Only section. If you are not a member, but would like to find out how to become one, please visit the Join AFGE section.

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