COVID Relief

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities and families around the globe. AFGE members are on the front lines of the response continuing to deliver important services to the American people. And sadly, several have been among those who've lost their lives after contracting COVID-19. That's why we've created the AFGE COVID-19 Family Relief Fund to provide monetary assistance to surviving family members.

Find out more at www.afge.org/COVIDRelief. 

FEEA Cloth Masks for Front Line Feds

If you are a federal civilian or postal employee in a position that interacts face-to-face with the public, or you have returned to a workplace with other employees, FEEA would like to send you one free mask to help keep you safe at work. Click here to register for your free mask now.

AFGE’s Union Plus Hardship Assistance

Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or Supplemental Insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through the Mortgage Assistance Program and Union Plus Hardship Help. The Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program provides interest-free loans and grants to help eligible members make mortgage payments when disabled, unemployed, furloughed, or locked out.

FEEA Hardship Loans During the Coronavirus Pandemic

During the coronavirus pandemic, FEEA is prioritizing its no-fee, no-interest hardship loans to serve federal employees who have exhausted all annual, sick, advanced, and FFCRA leave from their agency, are currently showing leave without pay on their most recent pay stub and are:

• hospitalized with COVID-19; or
• severely ill at home with COVID-19 (unable to work); or
• serving as primary caregiver for a family member, living in in the employee's home, who is seriously ill with COVID-19

The initial loan maximum will be $500. Our ability to give loans during this time is subject to available funding and lower-income families will receive priority for available funds. Click here for more information.

Key Federal and Private Relief Programs for AFL-CIO Affiliated Unions

AFGE Locals and Councils may be eligible for tax credits, loans, and grants through special programs that have opened up as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find information on relief programs for AFL-CIO affilicated unions.

COVID-19 Related Health and Welfare Resources

Use these resources to assist AFGE memebers with maintaining health and welfare during the coronavirus pandemic.

Click here for COVID-19 related health and welfare resources.

AFGE’s Union Plus Credit Counseling Program

MMI is taking proactive steps to reduce the risk to communities and prepare for the financial challenges that will inevitably follow this outbreak. Effective immediately, MMI has suspended in-person counseling. Services will continue to be made available online and over the phone, which is how 90% of members currently access MMI’s services. MMI is implementing continuity plans designed to ensure that members will continue to receive vital services throughout this crisis.

MMI has some financial tips on its blog that some members may find helpful:

• https://www.moneymanagement.org/blog/how-to-safeguard-your-finances-from-coronavirus
• https://www.moneymanagement.org/blog/tips-for-managing-money-during-a-work-stoppage
• https://www.moneymanagement.org/blog/when-the-income-decreases-it-is-pays-to-set-priorities

AFGE’s Union Plus Personal Loan Program

FNBO will waive late fees for anyone who is having trouble making a timely loan payment due to the COVID-19 response.

AFGE’s Union Plus Auto & Home Insurance

MetLife will provide reasonable billing accommodations to impacted customers and allow for premium deferrals up to 30 calendar days from the original premium due date. Customers must request the bill hold by calling customer service at 855-666-5797.

AFGE’s Union Plus Mortgage Program

Union members with a Union Plus Mortgage with financing from Wells Fargo can call customer service to get individual assistance if needed, particularly in the 30-day period before becoming eligible for the Mortgage Assistance Program.

AFGE’s Union Plus Free College and Bachelor’s Degree Completion

All Free College and Bachelor’s Degree online classes will continue as scheduled and we expect no disruption to students’ education or services. The college is prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff and will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of the local, state and national health officials.

AFGE’s Union Plus Car Rental Partners

All our car rental partners report they are closely monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19) and following the current guidance from the leading government and health authorities. They are taking steps to prioritize the health and safety of customers and staff, including enhanced cleaning of all vehicles and greater flexibility for customers that need to change or cancel reservations.

Avis and Budget are waiving underage fees, effective immediately through April 30, 2020*.

*Underage fees are waived now through 4/30/2020 for renters aged 21-24. Excludes New York, Michigan, and Maryland; applies to corporate USA locations only.

For more information about underage and first-time renting, refer to our Age Requirements FAQ page.

AFGE’s Union Plus Vacation Tours

Our partners at Collette Vacation Tours are tracking health events around the world by canceling and rescheduling upcoming tours to locations flagged by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Department of State. At this time, Collette is cancelling ALL tours departing through April 15, 2020. For any travel to Italy, Collette is cancelling tours departing through April 30, 2020.

As a result of these changes, all guests will be contacted by Collette’s Customer Service Team and offered options for rebooking or refunds. Collette also offers an industry-leading Travel Protection Plan that offers a full refund in case a traveler has to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure.

We will continue to survey our program partners and will provide additional updates on any program changes or additional resources or assistance programs as they become available.

MetLife is Helping AFGE Members in Response to COVID-19

Recognizing the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, MetLife is taking action to help AFGE members during this challenging time. MetLife Auto & Home® is providing financial relief, preserving coverage in the event of missed payments, and processing claims remotely to ensure social distancing.

Find out how MetLife is helping AFGE members in response to COVID-19.