TWU Member Finds Needed Assistance Through the Union Plus Disability Grant
After a knee surgery last year, longtime New York City Transit Authority employee Paul Wynn couldn’t keep working at his job cleaning subway stations. Wynn, a member of Transportation Workers Union (TWU) Local 100, knew finances would be tight without his regular paycheck.
However, he caught a lucky break while he was browsing the Union Plus website soon after. Wynn learned he could be eligible for the Union Plus Disability Grant1 because he is a Union Plus Credit Cardholder2. Sure enough, he qualified for assistance.
“It wasn’t something I was specifically looking for,” Wynn recounts. “The grant helped me maintain my expenses while I was out of work.”
The Union Plus Disability Grant is a $1,600 - $2,700 payment available to eligible Union Plus Credit Cardholders who have been unemployed for at least 90 days and who have lost at least 25 percent of their monthly income due to illness or disability during the past 12 months, among other requirements. Applicants must have been Union Plus Credit Cardholders for at least three months and their card account must be in good standing.
“It was a relatively easy and straight-forward process,” recalls Wynn of applying for the grant. “It only took about a month to receive the money.”
He now tells fellow TWU members about the various grant programs and rebates offered to Union Plus Credit Cardholders and encourages them to explore the website, as he did.
“You may be surprised what you find,” he notes.
“After all these years, working the job I worked, it takes a toll on you and your body,” Wynn reflects. “Little things like the Union Plus Disability Grant are really helpful.”
For more information on how Union Plus can help union members in times of need, visit unionplus.org/hardship.
1Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/page/disability-grant.
2Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.
TWU member Paul Wynn’s knee surgery prevented him from getting his regular paycheck at work. Luckily, he discovered he was eligible to apply for a Union Plus Disability Grant since he is a Union Plus Credit Cardholder.
UNITE HERE Member Finds Assistance Through Union Plus Strike Grant
Scott Abfalter has worked in the hospitality industry and been a member of UNITE HERE Local 5 in Honolulu, Hawaii, for 18 years. He has been a Union Plus Credit Cardholder1 for nearly nine years.
When Abfalter walked out on strike last fall with thousands of other UNITE HERE members, he was able to take advantage of a unique benefit of being a Union Plus Credit Cardholder—hardship assistance grants for eligible members2.
The Union Plus Strike Grant is a $300 payment available to Union Plus Credit Cardholders who have been on union-sanctioned strike or lockout for a minimum of 30 consecutive days within the 12 months prior to application submission. Eligible members must have been Union Plus Credit Cardholders for at least three consecutive months and their account must be in good standing.
Abfalter learned of the Union Plus Strike Grant through information included in his monthly credit card statement.
“It was a blessing to even see it,” Abfalter says. “I submitted the necessary paperwork, and I fit all the requirements.”
He recalls, “Applying for the strike grant was a simple process. The check arrived during the holiday season, and that was such a blessing.”
The timing could not have been better, according to Abfalter.
“It really helped my family stay afloat,” he says. “The union fund was depleted. It was the right time for this family to have received the Union Plus Strike Grant.”
Abfalter continues, “Some of my fellow UNITE HERE members are not Union Plus Credit Cardholders. Hopefully, they’ll reconsider because of my experience. It is a strong card.”
The Union Plus Credit Card program offers several card choices. Find the union credit card that is right for you at theunioncard.com.
1Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.
2Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/strike-benefits.
When Honolulu UNITE HERE member Scott Abfalter walked out on a union-sanctioned strike last fall, he was able to get some financial assistance from an unexpected source. As a Union Plus Credit Cardholder, he was eligible for the Union Plus Strike Grant.
UAW Member Sleeps Easier with Union Plus Job Loss Grant
Gary Franklin is a United Automobile Workers (UAW) member who worked for a major U.S. automaker in Detroit for 12 years. He liked his job building transmissions before health problems sidelined him.
Recently, Franklin developed some health issues and realized he could not continue his job without some serious medical attention.
“I was having trouble sleeping at night,” he recalls. “I was out of work for a while.”
Thanks to his union membership, Franklin has been a Union Plus Credit Cardholder1 for many years. When he had to take indefinite time off from his job, he called the credit card’s customer service line and was told that he might be eligible for the Union Plus Job Loss Grant2.
The Union Plus Job Loss Grant helps eligible union members who carry the Union Plus Credit Card by providing them with $300 to help cover bills and living expenses while they’re out of work.
“It was really easy to fill out the application,” remembers Franklin. “I really was able to sleep better.”
Franklin used his Job Loss Grant to cover bills.
“The Job Loss Grant is good to have if you meet the [eligibility] requirements,” says Franklin. “I absolutely recommend getting the Union Plus Credit Card.”
“Union Plus—they try to help you out, you know?” Franklin continues. “They try to see that you can get your bills paid.”
To learn more about the Union Plus Credit Card and its benefits, visit theunioncard.com.
1 Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.
2 Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/job-loss-grant.
When UAW member Gary Franklin found himself sidelined from his job by health issues, he knew he could turn to his Union Plus Credit Card for hardship help. He was eligible to apply for the Union Plus Job Loss Grant.
AFSCME Member Gets Assistance From Union Plus Disability Grant
“I was put on disability, but after a while you only get about 50 percent of your normal wages,” she recounts. “It was important to me to cover general expenses and keep my credit in good standing.”
Van Horn, a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 25, has been a Union Plus Credit Cardholder1 for more than five years. She was browsing the Union Plus website when she noticed a testimonial for the Disability Grant2.
“After about two weeks I finally decided to apply, thinking, ‘We’re going to see if this works,’” she says.
Van Horn ended up qualifying for a $1,600 disability grant.
“I was really surprised when I got a call saying I was approved,” she recalls. “I was happy and very grateful.”
The Union Plus Disability Grant is available to Union Plus Credit Cardholders who have been unemployed for at least 90 days and lost at least 25 percent of their monthly income due to illness or disability during the past 12 months. Applicants must have been Union Plus Credit Cardholders for at least three months and be in good standing.
“I stress a lot about finances, and this helped me so much,” Van Horn says. “Being on disability and unable to work, you worry about a lot of things. I feel like Union Plus didn’t forget me.”
She continues, “I like being a Union Plus Credit Cardholder. It’s nice to know there is a company like Union Plus that looks out for AFSCME members.”
The Union Plus Credit Card program offers several card choices that all offer hardship help benefits. Find the union credit card that is right for you at theunioncard.com.
1 Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.
2 Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/page/disability-grant.
When AFSCME member Deborah Van Horn was unable to work due to health issues, she turned to Union Plus for financial help. As a Union Plus Credit Cardholder, she was eligible to apply for the Union Plus Disability Grant.
Union Plus Offers Help to Those Impacted by Severe Storms in Oklahoma
Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to eligible participants of one of the following programs:
- Union Plus Credit Card Program2
- Union Plus Mortgage Program
- Union Plus Personal Loan
- Union Plus Life Insurance
- Union Plus Accidental Death Insurance
- Union Plus Auto Insurance
- Union Plus Retiree Healthcare
To qualify for a Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant:
- Your residence must be in a county qualifying for “Individual Disaster Assistance” from FEMA. To check if your county has been designated as an area eligible for individual assistance, visit FEMA’s disaster declarations page.
- You must have had a Union Plus Credit Card for at least three months, Union Plus Personal Loan for at least six months, Union Plus Mortgage, Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance, Union Plus Life or Accidental Death Insurance or Union Plus Auto Insurance for at least 12 months with that account or policy in good standing (be up-to-date on payments).
If you participate in the Union Plus Credit Card Program and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-622-2580.
If you participate in any other of the designated programs and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-472-2005.
The Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund has provided nearly $1 million in assistance to union members facing hardships following Hurricanes Michael and Florence, floods and other natural disasters. Head to the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund page to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.
1Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/disaster-relief-grants.
2The Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.
If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by the severe storms and tornadoes in Oklahoma, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program.1
Librarian Praises Fast Access to Disaster Relief Grant with the Union Plus Credit Card
In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy, also known as “Superstorm Sandy”, battered the east coast of the United States and caused billions of dollars in damage.
“We had never seen anything like it,” says Shileen Shaw, recalling the damage her East Orange, NJ, home suffered at the time.
Shaw’s home lost electricity for weeks and her roof endured severe damage. Luckily, she was able to turn to her union for help.
Shaw has been a member of Local 2298 (Council 63) of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for more than 20 years. She currently works at a branch of the Newark Public Library. She has also been a proud Union Plus Credit Cardholder1 since 2007, which came in handy when she was seeking financial relief in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Through a quick phone call, Shaw found out she was eligible for the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant—a $500 cash grant that does not have to be repaid.
“I applied for the grant and I got the check within days,” Shaw recounts.
The Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant2 provides financial assistance to eligible Union Plus Credit Cardholders facing hardship following a natural disaster. To be considered for a Disaster Relief Grant, Credit Cardholders must have had their card for at least three months.
“The grant came at the right time. I just thank Union Plus for that,” she says. “When you don't have anything, and the electricity is still out, $500 is a lot.”
For more information about getting access to emergency financial resources, visit unionplus.org/hardship.
1Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply.
2Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/disaster-relief-grants.
“The Disaster Relief Grant came at the right time. I thank Union Plus for that because I don't even know how we were going get by for those next days or weeks after Hurricane Sandy. When you don't have anything, and the electricity is still out, $500 is a lot of money.” – AFSCME Member Shileen Shaw
Teamster Credit Cardholder Turns to Union Plus Job Loss Grant
“I’m a driver, and I was injured on the job,” begins Glen Kozubal, an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 89 member from the Louisville, Kentucky metro area.
Kozubal was a pick-up and delivery driver until his workplace injury made it impossible to work. When his worker’s compensation claim was delayed, he initiated grievance proceedings with the help of his local union.
Kozubal has been without a job for nearly a year, but he realized he could turn to Union Plus in the meantime. As a Teamster Privilege Credit Cardholder1, he knew that he could apply for the Union Plus Job Loss Grant2.
“I’ve always liked my Teamster Privilege Credit Card, and for this—applying, hearing back, getting the money—it was all a smooth process,” recalls Kozubal. “It makes standing up to the type of situation I’m in a whole lot easier.”
The Union Plus Job Loss Grant is available to eligible union members who have carried either the Union Plus Credit Card or Teamster Privilege Credit Card for at least three months. It provides them with $300 to help cover bills and living expenses.
“Union Plus is a great organization,” Kozubal says. “This Job Loss Grant opportunity really gave me a way to pay some immediate bills and stay afloat through this incredibly long and stressful process.”
Kozubal said he’s let his fellow union members know about Union Plus at every opportunity, and he believes every local should promote Union Plus programs.
“Union Plus really helps members in their daily lives,” says Kozubal. “Nowhere is that truer than the Job Loss Grant.”
For more information about Union Plus Hardship Help Benefits, visit unionplus.org/hardship.
1Teamster Privilege Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.
2Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/job-loss-grant.
Help to Those Impacted by Alabama Tornadoes - Union Plus
Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to eligible participants of one of the following programs:
- Union Plus Credit Card Program2
- Union Plus Life Insurance
- Accidental Death Insurance
- Union Plus Auto Insurance
- Union Plus Mortgage Program
- Union Plus Retiree Healthcare or
- Union Plus Personal Loan
To qualify for a Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant:
- Your residence must be in a county qualifying for “Individual Disaster Assistance” from FEMA. To check if your county has been designated as an area eligible for individual assistance, visit FEMA’s disaster declarations page.
- You must have had a Union Plus Credit Card for at least three months, Union Plus Personal Loan for at least six months, Union Plus Mortgage, Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance, Union Plus Life or Accidental Death Insurance or Union Plus Auto Insurance for at least 12 months with that account or policy in good standing (be up-to-date on payments).
If you participate in the Union Plus Credit Card Program and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-622-2580.
If you participate in any other of the designated programs and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-472-2005.
The Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund has provided nearly $1 million in assistance to union members facing hardships following Hurricanes Michael and Florence, floods and other natural disasters. Head to the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund page to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.
1Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/disaster-relief-grants.
2The Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.
If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by the Alabama Tornadoes, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program.1
Know Your (Union Plus) Rights: Strike Benefits
These grants and assistance programs are specially designed to help union members through uncertain times.
For Union Plus Credit Cardholders**:
- After three months as a cardholder, you may be eligible for a $300 Strike Grant*.
For Union Plus Mortgage Customers:
- We offer Union Plus Mortgage Assistance. Strike/lockout grants can make mortgage payments if you’re participating in a union-approved strike or are locked out for more than 30 consecutive days.
- For detailed information, applications or options for strikes/lockouts lasting less than 30 days, call 800-472-2005, extension 840.
For Union Plus Personal Loan-holders:
- After six months as a loan-holder, you may be eligible for a $300 Strike Grant.
For Union Members Who Participate in the Following Programs:
- Union Plus Auto Insurance: Union Plus policyholders involved in a union-approved strike or a lock-out lasting 90 days or longer can defer premium payments for two months. To take advantage of this deferment, call 855-666-5797.
- Union Plus Life Insurance: Union Plus policyholder premiums are waived for up to three months during union-approved strikes lasting more than 30 consecutive days. This waived premium never has to be repaid. To use this strike benefit, call 800-393-0864.
- Union Plus Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: Union Plus policyholder premiums are waived for up to one full year during a union-approved strike or a lockout lasting 30 days or more, providing the coverage remains in force. This waived premium never has to be repaid. To use this strike benefit, call 800-393-0864.
For a list of other resources that you may be eligible for as a union member or retiree, visit unionplus.org/hardshiphelp.
*Not all unions are eligible for Strike Grants.
**Certain restrictions, limitations, and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at unionplus.org/assistance. The Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated.
Capital One, N.A. is not responsible for the contents of this message and/or any products/services offered.
Union Plus knows that union members are more powerful when we stick together. And Union Plus stands with union members in those rare instances when they face the possibility of a picket line during a union-sanctioned strike. Among other Hardship Help grants and assistance, Union Plus offers Strike Benefits for eligible members*.
AFT member and Army Vet Saves on New Home
José Acevedo served in the U.S. Army before teaching high school history in New York City. After being stationed in the Panama Canal Zone from 1974 to 1977, he spent the next 30-plus years teaching ninth and tenth grade and became a member of AFT.
“I loved teaching global history – not just American history,” said Acevedo.
Many of Acevedo’s students were immigrants and he wanted to make sure that they knew how they fit into the American story.
“Teaching was very demanding,” he reflected. “Yet when you feel like you’re making a difference, that’s when it’s most rewarding.”
Upon retirement, Acevedo sought to catch up on interests and hobbies he’d neglected during his teaching career. As he was financing his new home in a quiet section of the Bronx, he discovered the Union Plus Mortgage Veterans Grant.
“I received a $500 gift card for being a union member and then discovered I was eligible for the Mortgage Veterans Grant. I was so glad that I found it,” said Acevedo. “We used it for furnishings in our new apartment. It was so helpful as we settled in.”
Acevedo feels well taken care of by Union Plus.
“After I proved that I was qualified for my grant, everything went so smoothly. I would really recommend this to other veterans,” he said.
If you have served in the military and are an active or retired member of a union and you have financed your primary residence through the Union Plus Mortgage Program, you may qualify for the Mortgage Veterans Grant*.
To learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage Program and the new Mortgage Veterans Grant, please visit unionplus.org/mortgage.
*If you're an active-duty veteran of the United States Armed Forces and an active or retired union member who obtained a Union Plus Mortgage to finance your primary residence, you may be eligible to apply for this special $1,000 grant. You must submit an application for a Veterans Grant within 90 days of your closing date.
AFT member and veteran José Acevedo financed his new home with the Union Plus Mortgage Program, by being a union member and a veteran he was eligible for additional savings with the Union Plus Mortgage Veterans Grant.