On May 10, Union Plus Brand Representative Brea Ellis discussed the many Union Plus benefits available to Union members. She was joined by John Hemmesch of Wells Fargo, who spoke about the bank’s Union Plus home mortgage program.
Established in the 1980s, Union Plus provides benefits for union members off the job. This includes extending lines of credit, helping families afford vacations, and buying a first house or car. Part of The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Union Plus focuses on union businesses and services. Following are some of the key benefits available through Union Plus.
Home Mortgage Program
A partnership with Wells Fargo, the Home Mortgage Program helps Union members purchase or refinance a home, as well as receive mortgage assistance. You can work with any Wells Fargo mortgage representative, who will assist you with the prequalification process and also let you know what your rewards are. Reward might include:
- A gift of up to $500 after your home purchase or up to $300 after your refinance
- A grant option of $1,000
- A veteran’s grant option of an additional $1,000 provided directly through Union Plus
If you need mortgage assistance, called Union Plus directly and they can determine if you are eligible. Criteria for eligibility includes:
- You must have had your home loan for at least one year.
- Your income must have been reduced by 50%.
If you are eligible based on unemployment, disability, or a strike and lockout, benefits can include a mortgage assistance loan for a prime residence of $15,000 or up to 6 months. This interest-free loan will be tacked on to the end of your mortgage and can be paid back in payments as small as $25 a month.
Mastercard
Union Plus offers a MasterCard through CapitalOne. This card is printed at a union facility and had U.S.-based customer service. You can go to The Union Card to check if you are pre-approved without impacting your credit score.
Hardship Help
If you are a Union Plus Mastercard holder or have a Union Plus supplemental insurance plan, you are eligible to apply to the Personal Loan Program for hardship help in the case of job loss, furlough, strike, disability, hospitalization, and disaster. Grants range from $500 to $2,700. There is a maximum of one grant per calendar year, and three grants per lifetime. You have up to 24 months after a hardship event to apply for a grant. This grant does not have to be repaid.
Everyday Discounts
As a Union member—and Union Plus member—you are eligible for numerous discounts, including the following:
- Flat-rate discounts at major car rental companies Avis, Budget, and Hertz.
- 15% off your monthly ATT wireless bill and 20% off ATT accessories. Get your coupons here.
- 25% off all Teleflora orders
Union plus offers numerous other benefits and programs including an auto buying program, a legal program with 30 minutes’ free legal consultation, discounts on pet insurance, a scholarship program, and more.
To learn about everything Union Plus offers, go to the Union Plus website. Sign up and create a profile. Under “Choose Your Union” select: IATSE (Theatrical Stage Employees). This will take you to the benefits specific to your union.