Money

MetLife Legal Plan network attorneys are able to provide document review and consultations for many issues you may face, at no cost through MetLife's Emergency Response Legal Assistance. These include:

• Reviewing documents related to federal aid and insurance claims
• Providing assistance with 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

If you need assistance call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-821-6400.

You will need to identify you are with Union Plus, 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 Emergency Response Legal Assistance.

Most of us know we need important estate planning documents like wills, advance directives and powers of attorney, but finding the time to complete these documents can be a challenge.

With MetLife Legal Plans' new digital estate planning solution, it's easy for you to complete estate planning documents. This allows you to designate your wishes for healthcare, as well as protect your family and assets quickly and easily from the comfort of your home.

Use the digital estate planning solution to create:

• Last Will and Testament – Leave property to loved ones and choose guardians for minor children.
• Advance Directive – Plan for a medical emergency and select medical care preferences.
• Durable Financial Power of Attorney – Choose someone to manage finances in case of an emergency.

How does it work?

MetLife's digital estate planning solution is available to all enrolled legal plan members at members.legalplans.com. You will need to create an account here using the email and password of your choice to use the digital estate planning solution.

To get started:

1. Once you’ve created an account and logged in, choose “Wills and Estates” from the main menu, and then click on “Estate Plan Bundle” from the coverage page.
2. Answer a few questions to find out if the digital estate planning option is right for you. If it is, click on “Do it Online” to continue.
3. Begin creating your documents by providing some information about yourself, your family and your healthcare wishes.
4. Review the documents to ensure your wishes are correctly stated.
5. Print the documents and review the instructions for notarization. You can find a notary at most banks or UPS stores.

The process is designed to work for most people, but if there are aspects of your estate that are more complicated, you might be directed to reach out to one of MetLife's network attorneys instead of using the online process.

Get started

 

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.

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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.

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"

The "Managing Your Money During the Coronavirus Pandemic" webinar, offered practical tips and action plans for managing financial pressure and dealing with creditors during this challenging time.

Watch it now!

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.

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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

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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

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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 

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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.

GET AT&T ACCOUNT SUPPORT

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Union Plus Credit Card

Capital One is here to help cardholders who may be impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

LEARN MORE

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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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FREE COLLEGE

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

LEARN MORE

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Helpful Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• FAQ's on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• How to Protect Yourself
• What to do if you are sick

VISIT CDC.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

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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

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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.

Debt settlement could be the answer to your debt stress if you're dealing with credit cards, personal loans, and other kinds of unsecured debt. But it's important to understand what it is and how it works. Learn the ins and outs of debt settlement so that you can decide if this debt relief option is right for you:

What Is Debt Settlement?

Debt settlement is a process where you or a company on your behalf, negotiates with your creditors in effort to get them to accept less than what you owe on your debt — allowing you to reduce your debt and get out of debt faster than you would if you continued to make minimum payments.

How Does Debt Settlement Work?

Here are the steps that typically happen after you enroll:

1. Build — Every month, you make a deposit into an FDIC-insured savings account you own and control.
2. Negotiate — Once you save enough in your account, the debt settlement company negotiates with each of your creditors to settle/resolve your debt.
3. Settle — Every time your debt settlement company and your creditors reach a settlement agreement, the debt settlement company contacts you to approve the settlement.
4. Freedom — After the full settlement amounts are paid on all your accounts, your debt is behind you!

In return for negotiating debt on your behalf, debt settlement companies charge a fee that typically ranges from 15-25% of the debt you enter into the program. But even with the fees, you could still save money by working with a debt settlement company.

Pros of Debt Settlement

With help from a debt settlement company, you could get out of debt faster and for less than you currently owe.

Debt Settlement Pros

• Reduce your total debt
• Affordable program payments
• Faster than minimum payments

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Ready to take the first step?

The best way to find out if this debt relief option is right for you is by requesting a free debt evaluation with the Union Plus Debt Settlement program. When you contact our partners at Freedom Debt Relief, you'll speak with a Certified Debt Consultant who will walk you through the debt settlement process, present you with other debt relief options, and help you find the right solution for you.

Learn MORE ABOUT
UNION PLUS DEBT SETTLEMENT

 

What is a Personal Loan?

• A personal loan allows you to borrow a fixed amount (generally up to $50,000) that you pay back in monthly installments over the life of the loan (typically 12-84 months).

What can I use a personal loan for?

• Consolidate debt.
• Pay for unexpected expenses.
• Finance projects and life events.

How am I approved?

• The lender decides if you qualify based on your financial history and ability to afford ongoing payments of the loan.
• Borrowers with the highest credit scores typically receive the lowest rates.

Interest Rates and Fees

• Interest rates and fees can make a big difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan, and they vary widely from lender to lender.

What's a typical interest rate?

• Rates typically range from around 5% to 36%, depending on the lender and your credit.
• Some lenders charge an origination fee to cover the cost of processing the loan and charge a pre-payment fee if you pay off your loan early.

Who Needs a Personal Loan?

• If you're looking to consolidate high-interest debt or finance a large expense.
• It makes sense when it’s less expensive than other forms of credit, and you can comfortably afford the monthly payments.
• If your situation has improved since taking out an original loan — such as your credit score improving or making more money. This could allow you to save money by taking out a new personal loan to pay off an existing loan.
• Home improvements can also be a cause for a personal loan if it adds value to your home. Using a personal loan will help avoid using your house as an asset as well as increasing credit card debt.

How Will I Benefit from a Personal Loan?

• It's one way to consolidate debt into a single payment and could allow you to pay off debt faster.
• Interest rates on personal loans are typically lower than credit cards, and most personal loans are unsecured, meaning they don't require collateral.
• Debt consolidation can help reduce missed payments to multiple creditors by consolidating to just one loan with potentially lower interest rates.

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A personal loan can help you accomplish your financial and personal goals through available funds that are easy to manage based on your preferred term and loan amount. With the Union Plus^® Personal Loan, you can take control of your financial future.

GET STARTED NOW

Dan Cerveny, a keyboardist, joined the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) just in time to learn firsthand how the union helps its members. Early in his career, he found himself with a chance to join up with a polka band in Pennsylvania.

"The only way I could play was if I joined the union," he recalls. "The proprietor who hired us ended up stiffing the entire band, and our union got us paid."

Today, Cerveny is the Secretary Treasurer of AFM Local 70-558 in Omaha, Nebraska.

"It’s been a fantastic 20 years," says Cerveny. "I so believe in this union and what it can do for musicians."

Cerveny is also a big proponent of the Union Plus Credit Card¹. He’s been carrying it since the late 1990s, loves the 1.5% cash back rewards he gets with every purchase.

"You name it, and I use the Union Plus Credit Card to pay for it and then I pay it off each month," he says. "I also use it to spoil my six grandkids.'"

The Union Plus Credit Card program is available to dues-paying labor union members of participating unions and retired union members, as well as eligible family members.

"The Union Plus service is incredibly efficient and attentive," notes Cerveny. "They help me sort through my account to resolve any issues." 

Cerveny uses Union Plus programs and the Union Plus Credit Card heavily in his recruiting efforts for AFM.

"The more they access Union Plus benefits, the more they can save in daily life while having a better life," he says. "Isn’t that what a union is all about?"

The Union Plus Credit Card program offers several card choices. Find the union credit card that is right for you at theunioncard.com.

Debt consolidation is a tool for helping reduce debt. But is this the right solution for you?

The Optimal Credit

In general, the optimal applicant has fair to good credit, and is looking to better manage and reduce their high interest debt. One of the most important factors in applying for a debt consolidation loan is your FICO® credit score. This implies your ability to manage your finances and is best seen above 600. Your FICO® Score is greatly impacted by your payment history (which accounts for 35% of your score) so it is best to ensure your current payments are being made on time. A new feature by Experian can help improve your score instantly - Experian Boost™ helps by giving you credit for the utility and mobile phone bills you're already paying. 

The Right Debt

Not all debt is able to be consolidated. Generally, any installment loans, credit cards, store-issued credit, medical bills, and payday loans are eligible for consolidation. Debt that is not excessive (ideally $5,000-$40,000) aligns with most debt consolidation lenders. The consolidation loan rolls these multiple debts into a single payment to help manage your debt. If your debt is too extreme, the consolidation lender may not be able to offer affordable payments, and you may want to explore alternatives, like debt settlement or credit counseling.

The Ultimate Goal

Ultimately, debt consolidation is part of a plan to become debt-free. For this reason, a debt consolidation loan works best if you are willing to stick to a budget and not build back up debt that was just paid off with the consolidation loan. This allows you to commit to the loan payment and achieve your goals. 

The Real Advantage

The most obvious advantage of a Debt Consolidation Loan is reducing debt. More specifically, though, debt consolidation loans create a single payment to pay off multiple creditors, which helps avoid missed payments and penalties. Credit card interest can range from 18-25%, and in most cases a debt consolidation loan can offer a lower interest rate, allowing the debt to be paid off quicker as a result of these interest savings. 

APPLY TODAY