In tough times, the following AFT + Member Benefits programs through Union Plus offer tools to help stretch your household budget. In addition, members who participate in certain AFT + benefits may be eligible for direct financial assistance in the event of job interruptions/job loss. For more information and eligibility, see www.unionplus.org/hardship.
Budget Tools
Credit and budget counseling:
Nonprofit consumer credit counseling staff from Money Management International (MMI) can help members prioritize bills and look at their budgets with an eye to stretching existing resources.
www.unionplus.org/creditcounseling
877-833-1745
Legal program:
The basic legal program offers members a free half-hour consultation with an attorney by phone. More complex matters, like traffic court or estate planning, are discounted by 25 percent.
www.unionplus.org/legal
Save My Home hotline:
These are consumer credit counselors who are HUD-certified to offer help and advice on how to negotiate with your mortgage lender to avoid foreclosure. The service is absolutely free and confidential.
www.unionplus.org/savemyhome
866-490-5361
Free prescription discount card:
www.unionplus.org/rxcard
Free college:
This benefit program is available for members and their families. It offers multiple online associate degree programs and several certificate programs from an accredited community college. Applicants must complete a financial aid request as part of their application; however, even if they receive no financial aid, there will be no cost for tuition, fees.
www.unionplusfreecollege.org
888-590-9009
Direct Financial Assistance Programs
Job Interruption/Job Loss Benefits Tied to Program Participation
:
Members who use the benefits listed below may be eligible for additional financial assistance.
Please see the Union Plus Hardship web page for eligibility requirements and more information: www.unionplus.org/hardship.
Credit card:
Members who have an AFT/Union Plus credit card may be eligible for a $300 job loss grant. In addition, there is a program hotline for members to check eligibility for other hardship payment benefits: 800-551-2873.
Mortgage:
If you have a Union Plus Mortgage, you may be eligible to apply for zero-interest loans that can make your mortgage payment for up to six months as well as a $1,000 one-time grant.
Personal loan:
Members who have a Union Plus personal loan and experience job loss may be eligible for a one- time $300 grant.