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There are over 73,000 students enrolled in the Union Plus Free College and Union Plus Bachelor’s Degree Completion programs - a number that is growing every semester. Both programs are now enrolling for classes starting August 16, 2021.

The Free College benefit team is offering two July information sessions for union families who want to learn more about how to enroll - at no cost - to earn a degree in Teacher Education, Business Management, IT or a wide array of other fields.  Register for one of the online "Back-to-School" info sessions today!

Register for July 13, 2021 8pm ET info session

Register for July 14, 2021 6pm PT info session

 Current and retired union members and their families are eligible to enroll in the Free College program, including spouses and domestic partners, children (or stepchildren), grandchildren (or step-grandchildren), financial dependents, siblings and parents. Unemployed, furloughed, and laid off union workers and their extended family are all eligible to enroll.

How does a down payment work?

A down payment is an upfront payment toward the total cost of a home you plan to buy. You typically pay a percentage of the home’s cost, with the mortgage you get making up the difference. For example, if you put down 20% on a $400,000 home ($80,000), you would get a mortgage to finance the remaining $320,000.

If you’ve stashed away some cash for your down payment, great. But make sure you set a realistic budget when considering how much to put down.

Why your down payment amount matters

• It's one of the factors in lending decisions. Your lender will consider your down payment along with your credit score, credit history, total debt, and annual income to see if you qualify for a loan.
• The size of your down payment can affect your mortgage options. What you put down on your home can affect what financing options and interest rates you’re offered.
• The more you put down, the less you may pay in interest. Because you’re borrowing less money, a larger down payment may reduce the interest you pay over the life of your loan and lower your total mortgage costs. Plus, your monthly payment may be lower.

Mortgage options for low down payments

You don’t have to put down 20% to get a mortgage. The following are common types of loans that offer low down payment options.

• Conventional loans: First-time homebuyers might qualify for a down payment of just 3% of the purchase price.
• VA loans: If you qualify for this loan, which is backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, you won’t be required to make a down payment at all.
• USDA loans: If you qualify for a loan backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, your down payment could be 0%.
• FHA loans: First-time homebuyers might qualify for a down payment as low as 3.5% of the purchase price.

But, if you do choose make a lower down payment, you may have to pay mortgage insurance. This insurance provides protection for the lender in the event you are unable to make mortgage payments. Mortgage insurance increases the cost of the loan and will increase your monthly payments.

It's also a good idea to keep a little cash handy. After you pay all closing costs, most lenders want you to have enough money left in savings to cover your mortgage payments for a few months. You might also want to have some cash set aside for any unexpected expenses that might come up after you move into your new home.

There are many types of mortgages with different down payment requirements available. The down payment that’s right for you is the one that fits your budget and loan selection. Your Wells Fargo Home Mortgage consultant can help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions.

Stay strong, Texas — our hearts and thoughts are with you.

Union Plus Disaster Relief and Partner Assistance

You may be eligible for a $500 Disaster Relief Grant from Union Plus
If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by the severe winter storms in Texas, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief program.*

No-cost legal help for Texans through MetLife's Disaster Relief Plan
MetLife Legal Plans has activated its Disaster Relief Plan for union members who have been affected by the recent severe winter storm in Texas.

MetLife network attorneys are able to provide document review and consultations for many issues that these individuals may face, at no cost to them through their Disaster Relief Plan. These include:

• Reviewing documents related to federal aid and insurance claims
• Providing consultation for identity theft issues due to lost personal documents
• Answering questions about damaged property for renters or homeowners
• Providing advice on dealing with creditors and bill collectors

This service will be available through July 31, 2021. Members that need assistance can call the Customer Service Center at 800-821-6400. ​​They will need to identify they are with Union Plus, the last four digits of their Social Security Number or membership number and indicate that they are interested in the document review and consultations services being offered as part of the Disaster Relief Plan.

LifeWorks Grief Counseling from MetLife
LifeWorks has resources available for you and your members to provide emotional support and referrals for community resources to help during this difficult time. LifeWorks has opened its 24/7 crisis support hotline for anyone affected by the severe weather and power outages.

The Crisis Support Line is available by calling: 1-877-757-7587. This hotline is available for anyone in the community impacted by this event. Callers will receive professional emotional support and/or referrals to community resources.^**

MetLife Auto & Home Catastrophe Response Team and Claims
MetLife stands ready to assist Texan customers experiencing property losses due to the recent extreme cold, including damage from burst pipes. Assistance includes:

• Help customers secure shelter, as needed
• Guide customers through temporary repairs
• Issue advances for immediate expenses using debit cards and electronic fund transfers
• Promptly compensate customers for any damage to property

MetLife Auto & Home Auto property damages
Phone: 1-800-854-6011
Email: MET_CAT@metlife.com

MetLife Auto & Home Flood policy claims
Phone: 1-877-254-6819
Email: metlifecs@torrentcorp.com

Ways to get or give help

Texas Workers Relief Fund
The Texas Workers Relief Fund has been established by the Texas AFL-CIO to assist workers and their families in their time of need.

Texas Freeze Resources from the Texas AFL-CIO
The Texas AFL-CIO has compiled a broad list of resources by region/city, that include shelter and food based resources.

Texas Mutual Aid Organizations

Here are some of the largest Mutual aid organizations in major Texas cities:

Austin
Donate to Austin Mutual Aid via the Venmo accounts @austinmutualaid and @austinmutualaidhotels.

Note: Do not donate to @austinmutualaidhotel (similar to the legitimate handle, just without an S.) this is a fraudulent account not associated with Austin Mutual Aid.

Dallas
Feed the People Dallas  is a Black/Latinx female-led network that serves the Dallas–Fort Worth area. You can Venmo it at @feedthepeopledallas or donate via it’s website: https://feedthepeopledallas.com/.

Houston
Community Care - Mutual Aid Houston has been overwhelmed by generous support and has recommended donations to the below organizations to help those in need in the Houston area:

• Crowdsource Rescue (@cs_rescue on Twitter) is a 100% volunteer organization using next-generation technology to quickly connect professional first responders and vetted civilian rescue teams with people in the community who need help after disaster strikes. Distributing food, water, generators, and heaters to people without power or water.
• Houseless Organizing Coalition (@HocHtx on Twitter) is a revolutionary coalition fully operated by BIPOC organizers building dual power within Houston's houseless community. Distributes supplies and addressing needs for those in our houseless community.
• West Street Recovery (@weststreetrecovery on Instagram) is a horizontally organized grassroots non-profit organization which aims to use efforts toward recovery after Hurricane Harvey to build community power.
• Houston Food Bank (@HoustonFoodBank on Twitter) serves more than 1.1 million people in the 18 southeast Texas counties and distributes food and other essentials to those in need through a network of 1,500 community partners.
• Texas Jail Project (@TxJailProject on Twitter) is a grassroots advocacy project that listens, informs, and advocates for people trapped in Texas county jails. Amidst the Texas Winter Storm, they set up a rapid response helpline for folks and their families to report on-the-ground conditions in jail facilities where thousands have no clean drinking water and are experiencing neglect.  They have been distributing funds to people's commissaries for those who are able to purchase food, water, and hygiene products through their jail's commissary stores. They also posted money to folks' phone accounts and covering the cost of all collect calls from jails.
• Community Fridges in Houston
  • HTX Community Fridges x Third Ward Community Fridge | Instagram
  • Alief Community Fridge | Instagram
  • Baytown Free Fridge | Instagram
  • Cloverleaf Community Fridge | Instagram
  • Stafford Community Fridge | Instagram
  • Tomball Community Fridge | Instagram

San Antonio

Para Mi Gente Mutual Aid is asking for donations via Cash App ($pmgmutualaid) and Venmo (@pmgmutualaid).

As always, double-check before donating to ensure you’re doing it safely and effectively and thank you for being good neighbors to our friends in Texas.

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:

1. 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.
    
2. 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.

Chance favors the prepared home so follow these fall maintenance tips from Kiplinger.com to prepare your home for cold weather.

1. Check your heating system
   Beating the rush now means you’ll be able to have a technician check out your furnace and thermostats before the crowds start calling on the first cold day. While you’re checking out your furnace, take the time to replace those furnace filters you bought at the hardware store at the start of the summer.
2. Reverse your ceiling fans
   If your fans have a reverse switch, now is a good time to change directions. Switching the air flow creates an updraft, sending the hot air from the ceiling down into the room. Result? You stay toastier.
3. Prevent ice dams
   If you’ve ever seen those telltale giant icicles hanging from the edge of your roof, you know that ice dams (and their potentially serious flooding) are forming in your home. To prevent these damaging shelf-like formations of ice, contact a contractor or home-energy expert to seal up any potential insulation issues in your attic before they can cause damage. Cleaning your gutters is another great way to keep ice dams at bay.
4. Install storm windows
   Keeping your home warm is so much easier when air isn’t stealthily escaping through gaps in older windows. If you can get your storm windows in before it gets really cold, you’ll be ahead of the game when the mercury falls. Caulking around windows and doors can also help keep the heat inside for you to enjoy.
5. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
   Fall is firmly upon us and winter is coming, so use that as a reminder to test your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, and change the batteries. When the winter edges back into spring, test them and change the batteries once again.
6. Shut off outdoor water systems
   Disconnect all garden hoses, drain outside faucets, and if your faucets aren’t frost-proof (mainly a feature in newer homes) shut off your water using the valve inside your house. Similarly, if you have an outdoor sprinkler system, now is the time to have it drained by an irrigation company.
7. Drain all fuel-filled equipment
   Drain the gas tank of your mower and any other equipment that uses fuel, so that it can be stowed safely for several months…and so it will start up again when you need to do those first spring chores.
8. Stock up on winter products
   Stock up on ice melting pellets, antifreeze, and any other winter products you know you’ll need. It’s also a good time to buy a new shovel or snowblower, or contact a snowplow service to sign up, if you live in an area where heavy snow is the norm.
9. Inspect your fireplace
   If you have a fireplace, now is a great time to have it inspected and thoroughly cleaned, along with your chimney. By the time the seasons change, you’ll be ready to relax with your favorite cozy holiday beverage, enjoying your snug and winterized home!

By the time the seasons change, you’ll be ready to relax with your favorite cozy holiday beverage, enjoying your snug and winterized home.

Learn more about Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Earlier this year, 25 Union Plus mortgage holders were the lucky recipients of $1,000 each. Entrants were asked to describe their homeownership dream being realized; their experience as a union member mortgage holder; or what they would share with a friend about the program.

	Justin Dix, HFIU, Local 2 "The process was easy. Just a couple of papers needed to be signed by my union representative. Its a good safety net incase of a layoff."

Pamela Goodman, AFSCME "When I applied to refinance my mortgage [my lender] informed me about [the Union Plus Mortgage Program] and what a great asset! It's so nice to have something positive to reflect on when there's quite a bit of negativity going on in our world right."

Erin Sweeney, UA, Local 1 "I loved my experience with the Union Plus Mortgage Program. It was an easy way to access a great rate, fantastic customer support, and extra protections for ease of mind."

Bradley Thomley, UFCW, Local 1189 "Having the mortgage assistance available with our loan gives us a peace of mind, especially during the current situation. Hopefully we will never need to use the help but just knowing it is available is fantastic."

Other lucky winners of the 2020 Union Plus Happy Homeowner Sweepstakes

To learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage Program designed for union families visit unionplus.org/mortgage.

The coronavirus pandemic stalled the start of the traditional spring buying season, and has many buyers and sellers wondering what to do next. If you’re in that group and wondering whether to move forward with your buying plans, here are a six things to consider:

1. Take stock of your personal homebuying goals and finances. 
   Did the pandemic change what you’re looking for at all? Is a home office more important than a backyard patio? What about your finances? Do you feel secure in your job? Do you already have savings set aside for a down payment as well as for a rainy day fund?
    
2. Know what you can afford. 
   The recent health crisis reinforces the reality of economic ups and downs and the fact that disasters can happen. It reinforces the importance of not overextending yourself in buying; you want to be able to weather any economic cycle. As you consider this, know that a bright spot is that mortgage rates are very low right now, which helps stretch your dollars when you decide to buy.
    
3. Start your house hunt from home.
   If you’re worried about venturing out, rest easy in knowing you can do a lot of the groundwork from home. As a result of coronavirus, virtual tours and agent-led video walk-throughs and video chat tours have all been added to the mix of showing homes. Lenders are available to serve you remotely, too, and are always available to have conversations about the lending process by phone.
    
4. Understand your down payment options.  
   There are still financing options available that don’t require you to put 20 percent down. Low down-payment options include our own yourFirst Mortgage^® program and government programs like VA and FHA. How much you put down is a financial decision to weigh as you look at your own finances and personal situation. It’s important to note that putting more down can reduce your monthly payments, which can free up dollars for other parts of your budget, including savings.
    
5. Double down on your rainy day fund. 
   It’s always been a good idea to have a little to fall back on. Owning a home means you’ll have expenses for repairs and updates. The economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic also reinforces the importance of having money to fall back on if you have an unexpected expense or loss in income.


6. Embrace digital tools. 
   Just like shopping for your perfect house, you can apply for a home loan from your kitchen; you never really need to step into a bank. Many tasks can be handled online, from starting the loan applications to signing disclosures and uploading needed documents during the loan process.

The current crisis has many Americans reflecting on their living spaces and thinking about their long-term financial goals. While no one knows exactly what will happen in the economy, if you are weighing whether buying is right for you, take a minute to focus in on your own unique goals, opportunities and circumstances and make the best decision for you.

Learn MORE ABOUT
WELLS FARGO MORTGAGE

Here are four questions you may be asking yourself and how Wells Fargo home mortgage can help:

1. How can I save for a down payment? 
   It's never too early to start saving. To help you identify your need-to-haves, cut back on nice-to-haves, and put aside money you’ll need to buy a home, you can take advantage of our online budgeting and savings tools. You could also set up a separate “first home” savings or investment account and have a set amount directly deposited into it every month. The set amount could be automatically deducted from the account where you deposit your paycheck or other income.
    
2. What if I am not able to make a 20% down payment? 
   There are several mortgage loans and programs that may help homebuyers reach their goals with less available cash. Just remember, if you make less than a 20% down payment, you will likely be required to purchase mortgage insurance.
    
3. Can I use gifted money to help me make my down payment?
   Some loan program guidelines may allow you to use monetary gifts from family as part of your down payment.
   Keep in mind: You will most likely be required to provide written proof that the funds were truly a gift and not a personal loan. There are limits on how much gift money you can receive per year without increasing your tax obligations. Speak with a financial advisor, tax accountant, or your home mortgage consultant to learn more about how these options can impact your overall home financing plans and future goals.
    
4. Are there any other down payment sources I may be able to use? 
   Not-for-profit down payment assistance programs (DAPs) provide funds to qualified homebuyers to help with down payments and closing costs. Many DAPs don’t require repayment, if you meet their guidelines. Your home mortgage consultant can help you find out which programs are available in your area, explain their details, and see if you qualify.

There are many types of mortgages with different down payment requirements available to you. Ready to take the next step? Your Wells Fargo home mortgage consultant can help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions.

Learn MORE ABOUT
WELLS FARGO MORTGAGE

The tragic, violent death of George Floyd at the hands of police has devastated so many of us. It is hard to talk about. And, it is hard to find words to describe our anger and sadness. However, we know that silence gives consent and that silence makes us complicit — so we will not be silent.

We will start by saying this:

We value the lives of black people.
We believe Black Lives Matter.
We denounce racism, in all its forms.
We stand against hatred.

To our friends and neighbors in the black community, we say,

We hear you.
We value you.
We stand with you.
We will not be complicit.

We stand in support of protestors across our country as they exercise their constitutional right to peacefully assemble in protest against the injustice that resulted in the death of George Floyd.

We stand with those also protesting and mourning the loss of so many others that have been killed due to systemic racism and injustice, including, but unfortunately, not limited to:

Ahmaud Arbery
Breonna Taylor
Trayvon Martin
Tamir Rice
Michael Brown
Eric Garner
Philando Castile
David McAtee

We humbly stand in the sunshine of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream — a world where race and color does not separate us, but unites us, equally, as we move towards building a more perfect union. We are hopeful that the conversation that has awoken in the nation this week leads to meaningful change.

We stand ready to listen and learn the best ways to support our friends and neighbors in the black community.

Essential estate planning documents include a Last Will and Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, and Health Care Power of Attorney. While it is optimal for a parent to have these documents created prior to having a need for them, there are still options for having these documents established as long as the parent has the mental capacity to make legal decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney, also referred to as a Financial Power of Attorney, allows the Maker of the document to delegate decision-making authority to the person, or Agent, of their choice. Upon the incapacity of the Maker, the nominated Agent has the ability to step into the shoes of the Maker with regard to all financial affairs. Their powers include the ability to inquire about financial status, pay bills, pay taxes, manage bank accounts, and fulfill other financial obligations on behalf of the Maker. Also, an Agent under a Durable Power of Attorney may have the authority to sell property, create a Trust for the benefit of the Maker, bequeath gifts, and manage the financial aspect of medical care.

Health Care Power of Attorney
The Health Care Power of Attorney is created by the Maker to allow the nominated Agent to make health care related decisions in the event the Maker becomes incapable of arriving at those decisions on their own. The Health Care Power of Attorney Agent has the authority to make decisions regarding medical treatment, including medications and surgical procedures. An Agent under this power is also permitted to carry out the Maker’s wishes with regard to autopsy and organ donation. In some states, mental health care decisions are included in this Health Care Power of Attorney; however, in other states decisions related to mental health must be contained in an independent Mental Health Care Power of Attorney. Certain powers are specific to the treatment of mental health issues, including the ability for an Agent to enroll the Maker in a structured mental health care facility, particularly important in the treatment of advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Last Will and Testament
Finally, a Last Will and Testament allows a parent to make provisions for the distribution of their estate after they pass away. These provisions can include specific bequests to family members or friends, including gifts of a monetary nature, personal property, and real property. A Will also nominates the person(s) the parent chooses to ensure that their last wishes are carried out properly. This nominee, known as either the Personal Representative or Executor depending on the state you live in, is charged with following through with the instructions contained in the Will and ensuring that the last wishes of the Maker are followed completely. A Will can also outline specific memorial and funeral instructions, including whether the Maker would prefer cremation or burial, where their remains should be disbursed or interred, and if there should be a formal funeral or a simple ceremony.