August 19, 2016

Over the last week, devastating floods have swept through the state of Louisiana. The Red Cross has declared that it is the worst natural disaster in the United States since Superstorm Sandy. More than 30,000 residents have been rescued and many more have been left homeless.

While public servants often dutifully continue to serve others in times of natural disaster, they too have been impacted. And, as an AFGE member, they have options through Union Plus Member Benefits program and the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA).

Disaster Assistance through Union Plus

If you are an AFGE member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by the recent flooding in southeast Louisiana, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program1.

Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to eligible members who have a Union Plus Credit Card2, Union Plus Life or Accidental Death Insurance, or Union Plus Auto Insurance, or Union Plus Mortgage.

Participants who live in the following parishes may be eligible for these grants:

Acadia
Ascension
Avoyelles
East Baton Rouge
East Feliciana
Evangeline
Iberia
Iberville
Jefferson Davis
Lafayette

Livingston
Pointe Coupee
St. Helena
St. Landry
St. Martin
St. Tammany
Tangipahoa
Vermilion
Washington
West Feliciana

Damage assessments are continuing for other parishes. The money does not have to be repaid.

How to Qualify

To qualify for a Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant, your residence must be in one of the above-listed parishes and:

Have been a victim of the severe weather in counties designated by FEMA as qualifying for individual assistance. (Visit UnionPlus.org/LAFlood to be redirected to the FEMA Louisiana flood information page for a list of qualifying parishes.)
Have experienced a significant loss of income or property within the last six months due to the disaster.
Have had a Union Plus Credit Card, Union Plus Life or Accidental Death Insurance, or Union Plus Auto Insurance, or Union Plus Mortgage for at least 12 months with the account or policy in good standing (be up-to-date on payments).

Apply for a Disaster Relief Grant

To apply for a disaster relief grant if you participate in any of the following programs call:

Union Plus Credit Card: 1-800-622-2580
Union Plus Mortgage: 1-800-472-2005
Union Plus Insurance: 1-800-472-2005

For more information about the Union Plus disaster benefits, visit UnionPlus.org/Disaster.

If you are not involved in the Union Plus program, there are federal disaster aid programs that can assist those affected by the floods. Visit UnionPlus.org/LAFlood to be redirected to the FEMA Louisiana flood information page.

Note: Certain restrictions, limitations, and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at UnionPlus.org/Assistance. Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated.

Disaster Assistance through FEEA

The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) provides no-interest loans and grants for federal employees affected by natural disasters. To apply, download an application at www.feea.org/disaster.

FEEA is a non-profit organization devoted solely to helping civilian federal and postal employees through three signature programs – scholarship, emergency assistance, and child care subsidy.