You Can Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free
During these difficult times, you may not be prioritizing your education, but we are here to help. In response to the economic uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, we are offering to help union members and their families complete their bachelor's degree online for free.
Complete Your Entire Degree Online for Free
- You can finish your entire degree 100% online with no out-of-pocket costs (such as tuition, fees or e-books) until graduation.*
- If you are unemployed, furloughed or laid off, don’t worry — you and your extended family members are still eligible to enroll in the Bachelor's Degree Completion Program at no cost.
- In partnership with Central State University, this flexible, 100% online program gives you the ability to work on assignments 24/7.
- Your courses are transferable to other schools and financial aid is available to students demonstrating need — including those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Register now and continue your education without any financial worries.
*Students may enroll part time, but continuous enrollment is required. Students must complete the FAFSA and any required verification. Students must have an Associate Degree or 60 or more college credits with a 2.2 GPA to enroll. Students not meeting this threshold can enroll in the Free Associate Degree program.
Your education doesn't have to wait because of the Coronavirus pandemic. With our Bachelor's Degree Completion Program, you can finish your Bachelor's Degree for free.
Free Legal Document Review and Consultations Through July 31, 2020
Limited Time Offer: Free Document Review and Consultations
Union members can contact MetLife Legal Plans Network Attorneys through July 31, 2020 for no charge advice, consultations and document review for many issues, including:
- Healthcare proxies or other estate planning
- Home refinancing or personal insurance forms
- Elder law questions for caregivers
Self-Help Document Library
Union members will also have access to MetLife Legal Plans Self-Help Document Library to complete wills, living wills and power of attorney documents.
To access the Self-Help Document Library:
- Click the button below and enter the access code: 9790010.
- Click "Covered Services" in the top navigation and then select the "Self Help Documents" tab, and then click the "Access Now" button to browse the document library.
ACCESS FREE METLIFE LEGAL
SELF-HELP DOCUMENTS
If you need assistance, please contact Customer Service Center at 800-821-6400, Monday-Friday 8am - 8pm EDT.
If you are not enrolled in MetLife Legal Plans, you will need to state you are with Union Plus and provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and indicate that you are interested in the document review and consultations services being offered as part of the Disaster Relief Plan.
If you are a current enrollee, you will need to provide your membership number.
MetLife Legal Plans is here to help union members and their families navigate this challenging time by offering no-cost document reviews and consultations through July 31, 2020.
How will Coronavirus Aid Package ("CARES ACT") Impact Your Family?
The CARES Act is a stimulus package that became law last week. The Act includes measures intended to stimulate the economy and provide financial relief to individuals, as well as small businesses and large corporations.
The Act is 883 pages, but here are some quick take-aways of the measures that will most directly impact you and your family:
Direct Cash Payments and How Much You May Receive
- Most adults are eligible to receive a one-time, direct cash payment. Payment amounts are based upon income:
- Most people earning $75,000 or less can expect $1,200
- Married couples without children, earning $150,000 or less can expect $2,400.
- Add an additional $500 per qualifying child under 16.
Help for Unemployed Workers Unemployment Benefits
Most unemployed, partially unemployed and people who cannot work for number of reasons related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will receive benefits.
Unemployment Benefit Term Extended by 13 Additional Weeks
The bill provides all eligible workers with 13 weeks of unemployment benefits, in addition to your state's unemployment benefits (which are typically 26 weeks, though this varies by state).
An Additional $600 in Weekly Unemployment Benefits through July 21, 2020
Eligible individuals will receive $600 weekly in federal pandemic unemployment compensation in addition to their current state unemployment benefits for four months — through July 31, 2020.
Expansion of Unemployment Eligibility
The new law extends unemployment benefits to full time, part time and self-employed workers, and includes provisions to support working individuals and families who have been impacted by the closing of a daycare or senior care facility.
There are also provisions for tax payments, student loans, retirement account rules and renters facing eviction.
Get More Information
This summary is not exhaustive. Please refer to the below resources and/or your trusted news outlets for more in depth information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act."
- Read the Congressional Bill — H.R. 748
- Read The New York Times article, "F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan"
- Read The Washington Post article, "Calculate how much you'll get from the $1,200 (or more) coronavirus checks"
Learn how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act may impact you and your family.
Our Partner Responses to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Below you will find updates about the support Union Plus and our partners are providing including offering online tools that support social distancing, billing accommodations for those directly impacted by this pandemic and evolving virtual customer service access.
Union Plus Hardship Help — Here When You Need Us
If your family has been directly impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our Hardship Help Resources.
Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan or supplemental insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through our Mortgage Assistance Program or other Union Plus hardship assistance programs.
LEARN ABOUT UNION PLUS HARDSHIP BENEFITS
Union Plus Job Loss Grant Qualification Period Just Reduced
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the qualification period for Job Loss Grants has been reduced from 90 days to 45 days through September 30, 2020.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR JOB LOSS GRANT
Wells Fargo Announces Aid for Customers and Communities Impacted by COVID-19
Wells Fargo has executed its comprehensive response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which includes offering fee waivers, payment deferrals and other expanded assistance for impacted mortgage customers.
In addition, Wells Fargo is suspending residential property foreclosure sales and evictions at this time
VISIT THE WELLS FARGO CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE PAGE
The Hartford Suspends Policy Cancellations in Response to Coronavirus Pandemic
To offer support during this challenging time, until June 1, 2020, The Hartford will temporarily suspend policy cancellations due to non-payment of premiums for payments due for February, March and April 2020.
Visit The Hartford’s COVID-19 Resource Center
AT&T is Offering 24/7 Online Support & Billing Options for Impacted Customers
AT&T has waived pending termination and late payment fees for customers experiencing financial hardship due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as offering 24/7 online customer support.
Union Plus Credit Card
Capital One is here to help cardholders who may be impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Union Plus Get Your Degree for Free from Your Home
Your education doesn't need to be put on hold because of social distancing. With extended registration and semester dates and additional financial aid options for related expenses, Free College remains a great way to further your education, while keeping safe social distances and remaining healthy.
Unemployed, furloughed, laid off union workers and their extended family members are all eligible to enroll in Free College.
Summer session begins June 1, 2020.
Collette Vacation Tours Changes and Travel Advisories
In response to the current Coronavirus pandemic, all tours through June 30, 2020 have been cancelled.
VISIT THE COLLETTE WEBSITE
FOR ADDITIONAL CORONAVIRUS
TRAVEL CHANGES AND ADVISORIES
Complete Your Bachelor's Degree Online for Free
Your education doesn't have to wait because of the Coronavirus pandemic. With our Bachelor's Degree Completion Program, you can finish your Bachelor's Degree for free by enrolling in summer classes, starting May 18, 2020.
GET STARTED! NEXT SESSION STARTS MAY 18
MetLife Home & Auto Offers Billing Accommodations for Customers
MetLife Auto & Home® is providing financial relief, preserving coverage in the event of missed payments, and processing claims remotely to ensure social distancing. These measures include non-cancellations of homeowners, renters and auto insurance policies due to non-payment through July 1, 2020 and a 15% credit for April and May for customers who are paid to date.
Please contact MetLife Home & Auto at 855-666-5797 to discuss options available to you.
GET MORE METLIFE CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Thinking of our Pets During the Pandemic
If you're one of these new pet families, (or are ready to take the pet plunge), you probably have some questions — Pets Best is here to help.
- Free Articles and Tips: Check out the Pets Best Blog for free access to articles with tips about virtual pet care, working from home, pet adoption, and more.
- Virtual Resources for Pets Best Customers: Pets Best customers have access to a 24/7 pet helpline where veterinary experts can answer questions about your pet’s health – day or night from the comfort of your home.
CONTACT PETS BEST CUSTOMER CARE
Shop Online for Glasses & Contacts
Our vision plans let you shop online for frames and contacts at participating providers like LensCrafters, Target Optical, Glasses.com and ContactsDirect.
Credit Counseling Shifts Online
Our Credit Counseling program has shifted to phone and online services as we weather this pandemic.
CALL 877-833-1745 AVAILABLE 24/7 OR LEARN MORE ONLINE
Union Plus Personal Loan Program
If you are having trouble making a timely loan payment due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please call 855-682-9377 for assistance.
Medicare’s Coverage of the Coronavirus
Medicare now covers Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and covers treatment in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities.
LEARN MORE & FIND AFFORDABLE MEDICARE PLANS
AFL-CIO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page
The AFL-CIO has compiled a Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic resource page with valuable information and updates. In addition, please check out your union's website as they may have additional information and resources.
VISIT THE AFL-CIO RESOURCE PAGE
Helpful Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
VISIT CDC.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Hertz is Offering Free Car Rentals to Healthcare Workers in New York City
Hertz is stepping up and offering essential healthcare workers on the front lines of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in New York City free, month-long vehicle rentals* through April 30.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW HERTZ IS SUPPORTING NYC HEALTHCARE WORKERS
United Auto Workers at Ford and General Motors Work to Build Ventilators — helping to "Stop the Spread" of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Both Ford and General Motors have stepped up to build much-needed ventilators for patients across the country suffering from symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
United Auto Workers (UAW) International President Rory Gamble noted, "From the days of Rosie the Riveter, UAW members have stepped up during difficult times in this nation’s history for the good of us all."
We salute the efforts of Ford and General Motors and hail the United Auto Workers of America. We send thanks and well wishes — the work they do will saves lives.
Hertz Healthcare Honor:
*Offer valid for one time rental of up to one month from date of pick up and is valid through April 30, 2020 at participating locations. Applicable car classes include economy, compact, mid-size, and full-size, subject to availability. Driver must present valid medical ID from a healthcare system and a valid driver’s license at reservation pick-up. Offer includes base rate, taxes, and fees. Renter is responsible for re-fueling, tolls, add-on services, and any incurred damage. Additional terms apply.
We'll get through this — together. We're proud to be continuously working as an organization and with our partners to support your families and the health of our communities.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
Union Plus Hardship Help
Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan or supplemental insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through our Mortgage Assistance Program or other Union Plus hardship assistance programs.
LEARN ABOUT UNION PLUS HARDSHIP HELP
AFL-CIO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page
The AFL-CIO has compiled a Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic resource page with valuable information and updates. In addition, please check out your union's website as they may have additional information and resources.
VISIT THE AFL-CIO RESOURCE PAGE
Helpful Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
VISIT CDC.ORG
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
The entire Union Plus team wishes you and your family health and peace of mind during this challenging time. We will get through this together.
In solidarity,
Mitch Stevens
President, Union Plus
We're with you.
As we collectively battle the Coronavirus pandemic, we want you to know we're with you and are focused on providing you with resources to support you and your family.
Please check our website and Facebook page for useful information and updates.
If you are a participant in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or supplemental insurance programs, you may be eligible for additional hardship assistance. Please see our Hardship Help section for eligibility requirements.
In addition, the AFL-CIO has created a Coronavirus (COVID-19) resource page. You may also check your union's homepage for additional resources.
Union Plus Free College Program Opens Doors for IBEW Local Leader
When Todd Bedard, president of Manchester, N.H., IBEW Local 2320, first heard about the Union Plus Free College Program in 2018, he immediately saw the potential for its impact on the lives of his union brothers and sisters — and himself.
"As president, I wanted to be able to talk to my members about it firsthand," he says. "I signed up within a day or so and haven't looked back."
Bedard, who has been an equipment installer for the last 20-plus years, decided to pursue an associate degree in business management through the program.
"I want to see where a business degree can take me in the future," he says, adding that he may pursue a four-year college degree and possibly an MBA, something he never would have otherwise considered at 47 years old.
The Union Plus Free College Program partners with AFSCME and Eastern Gateway Community College to offer online courses and degree programs with no out of pocket cost to active or retired union members and their eligible family members, including spouses and children.
"I haven't taken a dime out of my pocket," Bedard says.
Bedard especially appreciates the flexibility of online learning, which allows him dive into schoolwork whenever he has a free moment. He's an evangelist when it comes to urging Local 2320 brothers and sisters to enroll.
"I tell everyone who will listen: If you're not doing it, you're losing money," he says.
To learn more about the Union Plus Free College Program and how to apply, visit unionplusfreecollege.org or call (888) 590-9009.
When Todd Bedard first heard about the Union Plus Free College Program in 2018, he knew it would change lives. "As my local's president, I wanted to be able to talk to my members about it firsthand," he says. "I signed up within a day or so and haven't looked back." Bedard decided to pursue an associate degree in business management and hopes to complete a four-year degree next.
USW Member Gets Return on Investment with Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program
Lisa Pedersen, of Revere, Mass., is trailblazer in her field. She says she was "the first girl in [her] area" when she started as a gas leak investigator and repair person for the National Grid.
"I've been with the same company and the United Steelworkers for 33 years," Pedersen, a member of USW Local 120124 says.
When her workforce was tested by a seven-month long work stoppage recently, Pedersen counted herself lucky to have a powerful tool on her side: her Union Plus mortgage.
Pedersen and her husband refinanced their house around 2005 with the Union Plus Mortgage Program. A major draw was the payment assistance program.
"I heard about the Mortgage Assistance Program, which helps make payments when you're out of work," Pedersen recalls. "I had seen the difficulties for other people during a prior work stoppage and heard about the Union Plus strike benefits."
The Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program provides interest-free loans and grants to help union members make mortgage payments when they're disabled, unemployed, furloughed, locked out or on strike. Eligible members must have had a Union Plus mortgage for at least a year.
A Mortgage Assistance strike grant ended up covering Pedersen's mortgage during three critical months in the winter, when her husband wasn't working his seasonal job as a lobsterman.
"I'm blown away by the Mortgage Assistance Program," Pedersen says. "I want people to understand how much you gave to us. I'm so grateful."
She considers the Union Plus Mortgage Program to be a unique asset of her union membership.
"Having this program available is invaluable. If there's something like that offered to you, you have to have it," Pedersen emphasizes.
Longtime Steelworkers member Lisa Pedersen decided to refinance her house with the Union Plus Mortgage Program because she had the foresight to know she might need its payment assistance program one day. Sure enough, when Pedersen's workforce experienced a seven-month-long work stoppage in 2018, a Union Plus Mortgage Assistance strike grant covered her mortgage during three critical months when her husband wasn't working his seasonal job.
Legal Checkup for the New Year
Here are some of the ways a legal plan can help you with various life events you may be planning this year:
- Getting Married
An attorney can provide assistance during the complicated process of changing your name as well as help you create or update estate planning documents for this new phase of your life. - Having a Baby
Congratulations! There are many legal issues to consider with a new baby, including updating wills and drafting estate planning documents. An attorney can be an invaluable resource for your growing family.
- Buying or Selling a Home
From the home inspection to completing deeds and signing agreements for repairs — there are numerous legal issues involved in purchasing a home. An attorney can answer any questions you have during the home buying, or selling process, as well as review and draft documents for you.
- Becoming a Caregiver
Because there are many financial and legal issues involved in being a caregiver, having access to affordable legal help can be invaluable. If you are caring for a loved one, you shouldn't have to do it alone. Your legal plan provides you with access to attorneys that can help with reviewing nursing home agreements, answering questions about Medicare and Medicaid coverage or reviewing your parent's estate planning documents as they relate to you.
We can help you find the right attorney for your situation with the Union Plus Legal Program — Premium Plan. You'll have access to a network of experienced attorneys, ready whenever you are, for a low fee of just $22.95 a month.
This original article was published by Hyatt Legal Plans, Inc., a MetLife company.
Happy New Year! A new year brings with it a fresh opportunity to get your life organized and accomplish your goals. Getting your new year started off right with important legal documents is beneficial no matter what stage of life you are in, but it's especially important if you are expecting any life changes this year.
IBB Member Finances Dream Home with Union Plus Mortgage Company
Derek Gusoskey has worked in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard since 2013 as a member of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB). He's a lead steward of Local 290, specifically Shop 26, the Welders.
"I am a member of the U.S. Department of Defense," Gusoskey says. "We work on nuclear submarines and nuclear aircraft carriers."
Gusoskey found professional and financial stability through his union after suffering financial setbacks from a bad real estate investment and the 2008 market crash.
"My wife and I hit rough patches along the way," he recalls. "Then we found our current home in 2016."
Gusoskey and his wife decided to refinance their home this year with the Union Plus Mortgage Company. Though he went into the refi process with low expectations, Gusoskey now says he "can't speak highly enough" of the Union Plus Mortgage Company team.
"I'd worked to repair my credit," he notes. "I was skeptical because I've been burned so many times before."
He continues, "Union Plus went above and beyond and really takes you under their wing. There's no catch—it’s just a perk of being a union member."
Gusoskey also has high praise for the refinance process overall.
"Everything happened on or before the timeline they gave me. It was all really great."
The Union Plus Mortgage Program, with financing available through Union Plus Mortgage Company, is available for all eligible union members. The Union Plus Mortgage Company is union-owned and staffed by knowledgeable loan officers.
For qualifying members, there are special benefits for first-time homebuyers as well as:
- A $500 gift card after closing for purchasing or refinancing a home
- Special hardship mortgage assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment or strike/lockout.
"I go around telling everyone about Union Plus every day I can," Gusoskey says.
To learn more about Union Plus Mortgage Company, call 855 UNION 27 (855-864-6627) or visit unionplusmortgage.com.
The AFL-CIO, Union Privilege and a group of unions own Union Plus Mortgage Company and will benefit if you get your loan through the company. However, you are not required to use Union Plus Mortgage for your loan and are free to shop. For your Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure Statement, please visit www.unionplusmortgage.com. Union Plus Mortgage Company has a services agreement with Union Privilege in which Union Privilege receives a financial benefit for providing agreed upon services. The NMLS Consumer Access Website is: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. NMLS Number 1561829
Being an IBB member has helped Derek Gusoskey find professional and financial security after setbacks, including bad real estate luck. When Gusoskey and his wife decided to refinance their home this year, they chose the union-owned Union Plus Mortgage Company. Gusoskey went into the process skeptical but now says he "can't speak highly enough" of the Union Plus Mortgage Company team.
UWUA Member Uses Mortgage Sweepstakes Win for Home Improvements
Leslie Sanford has lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania her whole life and has been a Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) member for much of that time. She is a billing supervisor at a wastewater treatment facility where she's worked for the last 21 years.
Sanford bought her current home in 2008 and refinanced it a couple years ago. Both times, she turned to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, which works with Union Plus to provide special benefits for union members.
"My Wells loan officer told me I would qualify for a gift card after closing," Sanford recalls of her 2017 refinance. "I remember I got a $300 gift card thanks to being a union member."
When union members purchase or refinance a home with Wells Fargo through the Union Plus Mortgage Program, they get $300 award for refinancing and $500 award for home purchases.1 Additional benefits for veterans are available from Union Plus.
"It was excellent," Sanford says of her experience with the Union Plus Mortgage Program. "I had no issues whatsoever. They were very diligent with any questions that I had and they would get back to me within a timely manner. Things ran very smoothly."
Sanford entered last year's Union Plus Home for the Holidays Sweepstakes for Union Plus mortgage holders on a whim.
"You can’t win anything if you don't try," she says.
To her surprise, Sanford was chosen as one of five winners and got a check for $3,000.
Instead of using her prize money for holiday splurges, Sanford re-invested it in her home.
"I really appreciated the opportunity to be able to enter the sweepstakes, and of course, win," Sanford says. "I thought it was wonderful, especially since I'm a single mom. I was pouring all this money and time and effort into getting my daughter through college and now I can focus back on the things I need to do around the house."
Union Plus® is a registered trademark of Union Privilege.
1Eligible individuals can receive the Wells Fargo My Mortgage GiftSM award approximately 6 weeks after closing on a new purchase or refinance loan secured by an eligible first mortgage or deed of trust with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage ("New Loan"), subject to qualification, approval and closing, when identifying themselves as eligible. The My Mortgage Gift award is not available with The Relocation Mortgage Program® or to any Wells Fargo team member. Only one My Mortgage Gift award is permitted per eligible New Loan. This award cannot be combined with any other award, discount or rebate, except for yourFirst Mortgage®. This award is void where prohibited, transferable, and subject to change or cancellation with no prior notice. Awards may constitute taxable income. Federal, state, and local taxes, and any use of the award not otherwise specified in the Terms and Conditions (available at wellsfargo.com/mmgterms and provided at receipt of award) are the sole responsibility of the My Mortgage Gift recipient.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. NMLSR ID 399801. Equal Housing Lender.
When UWUA member Leslie Sanford refinanced her home in 2017, the loan officers at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage told her about special union member benefits available to her through the Union Plus Mortgage Program. The icing on the cake was winning last year's Union Plus Home for the Holidays Sweepstakes — Sanford used her check for home improvements.