Updated April 30, 2020 (NEA Foundation COVID-19 Grants).
FEA members have access to a robust program of money-saving member benefits year round. Here we will post updates during the coronavirus pandemic from those partners:
- NEA Foundation COVID-19 Grants
- NEA Member Benefits’ Student Loan Forgiveness Webinar Series
- NEA Member Benefits (opens in new tab)
- NEA Member Benefits launches new discount program with Office Depot/OfficeMax (opens in new tab)
- Union Plus programs
Grants and Funding
The NEA Foundation is providing three new grant opportunities to support public educators’ emerging needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on teaching and learning:
- The COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants will support educator-led initiatives to adapt to the unique circumstances during the summer months of 2020. The application process will be open through May 28.
- Learning and Leadership Grants will support educators’ professional development focused on adapting to the unique challenges of the 2020-2021 school year. Applications will be available beginning April 30 through July 15.
- Student Success Grants will support educator-led initiatives that increase educational equity and opportunity, responding to student needs that emerged or intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be available beginning April 30 through July 15.
NEA Member Benefits’ Student Loan Forgiveness Webinar Series
These free webinars can help members find out about the current stimulus act (CARES Act), Federal Forgiveness and ask their questions as they relate to Federal SLF. Sessions are limited to the first 100 participants to join the session.
Meeting ID: 729-246-633
Join URL: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/729246633
- MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 @ 3:00pm(ET) / 2:00pm (CT)
- TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 @ 12:00pm (ET) /11:00am (CT)
- WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2020 @ 7:00pm (ET) / 6:00pm (CT)
- THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 @ 7:00am (ET) / 6:00am (CT)
NEA MB has also made available a video recording of their April 7, 2020 Student Loan Forgiveness webinar.
Union Plus COVID-19 Updates
As COVID-19 impacts our communities and workplaces, we are sharing the most recent program updates we have so that you and your members are aware of resources available as well as any program changes that may impact them.
Union Plus is working with its program providers to facilitate additional assistance to members. Please note that some programs, including the hardship programs, do require members to be participants and product holders of those programs and meet certain eligibility requirements to receive benefits. There are over 950,000 credit card holders and over 140,000 mortgage program participants.
Union Plus Hardship Assistance
Participants in the 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, locked out or on strike.
Union Plus Credit Counseling Program
The credit counseling provider, Money Management International (MMI), has suspended in-person counseling. However, 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:
- How to safeguard your finances from Coronavirus
- Tips for managing money during a work stoppage
- When the income decreases it pays to set priorities
Union Plus Personal Loan Program
First National Bank of Omaha will waive late fees for anyone who is having trouble making a timely loan payment due to the COVID-19 response. Members should call customer service to arrange directly with the lender.
Union Plus Credit Card Program
Capital One is providing COVID-19 resources and is asking customers facing a financial hardship to contact them directly to discuss possible options.
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.
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.
Union Plus Free College and Bachelor’s Degree Completion
All Free College and Bachelor’s Degree online classes will continue as scheduled. 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.
Union Plus Car Rental Partners
Union Plus’s 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.
Union Plus Vacation Tours
Collette Vacation Tours is 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.
Union Plus continues to survey its program partners and will provide additional updates on any program changes or additional resources or assistance programs as they become available.
