American Train Dispatchers Association
Disability Benefits
We’re here with help for eligible union members who are out of work due to a disability or illness.
We offer our disability grant to eligible members who are Union Plus Credit Card or Teamster Privilege Credit Card cardholders or mortgage assistance to Union Plus Mortgage holders. We’re here to help take the pressure off during this difficult time.
If you are struggling with large out-of-pocket, unreimbursed expenses, you may be eligible to receive a hospital grant.
If you're having trouble paying doctor and hospital bills, get free help negotiating your medical bills.
Get free budgeting advice, plus get a fee waiver for our Credit Counseling Program.
What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard-working Americans.
The assistance we received certainly helped us deal with the realities of the situation.
Need help?
The Union Plus Member Advocacy Program, staffed by OPEIU Local 2 members, is here to help you resolve any problems. Contact us at 800-472-2005 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET, weekdays) or feel free to complete the feedback form and a member of our Union Member Advocacy Program team will contact you.
The Union Plus Credit Cards and Teamster Privilege Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
We’re here with help for eligible union members who are out of work due to a disability or illness.
Strike Benefits
We’re here to help when union members are on strike. Check out our strike benefits below.
Get cash with a strike grant. Unlike a loan, you'll never need to repay the money. If you have a Union Plus Credit Card or Teamster Privilege Credit Card or a Union Plus Personal Loan, you may eligible for a grant.
If you’re a Union Plus policy holder involved in a union-approved strike or lockout lasting 90 days or longer, you can defer your premium payments for two months.
To check eligibility and use this strike benefit, call 855-666-5797.
If you’re a Union Plus policyholder, your premiums are waived for up to three months during union-approved strikes lasting more than 30 consecutive days. This waived premium never has to be repaid.
To check eligibility and use this strike benefit, call 800-393-0864.
If you’re a Union Plus policyholder, your premiums are waived for up to one full year during a union-approved strike or lockout lasting 30 days or more, providing the coverage remains in force. This waived premium never has to be repaid.
To check eligibility and use this strike benefit, call 800-393-0864.
I’ve had [a Union Plus Credit Card] for over 10 years now. It can provide a one-time strike grant for eligible cardholders who are on [union-sanctioned] strike.
It was nice knowing that the union understands that workers need special help during a strike.
What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard-working Americans.
Need help?
Please visit our Union Plus Grants FAQ. Please send additional questions to grants@unionplus.org.
*Not all unions are eligible for Strike Grants.
If you’re on strike, you may be eligible for a grant that you'll never need to repay.
Save My Home Hotline
Are you having trouble paying your mortgage? Get a free, confidential talk with a housing counselor.
The Union Plus Save My Home Hotline is provided through the non-profit Money Management International (MMI).
Are you a homeowner facing financial trouble that may make you fall behind on your mortgage payments or worried that the next change in your adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) will put payments out of reach? The Union Plus Save My Home Hotline may be able to help.
Arrange for a confidential, free consultation with expert housing counselors who can provide advice, help you find answers and develop an action plan to get your financial house in order.
Call 866-490-5361 any time day or night, or visit one of the 100+ local offices in 22 states and the District of Columbia for face-to-face counseling.
Fully-trained, HUD-certified counselors will discuss your individual situation and offer advice and guidance that is personalized for your situation.
Save My Home Hotline Counselors can:
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Provide a free budget and spending analysis to assess your current financial situation.
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Explain how best to work with your lender and understand all of the options available to help you retain your home and prevent foreclosure.
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Protect you from future credit problems before you get too far behind on mortgage payments.
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Provide a written plan of action you can follow.
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Offer referrals to other resources, including credit and bankruptcy counseling, if appropriate.
Your questions, answered
The following are eligible:
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Dues-paying labor union members of participating unions
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Retired union members
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Spouse, domestic partners, and children (age 18+) may be included
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Widows/widowers of union members
Yes. The hotline's HUD-certified counselors can help you establish a budget, set priorities and explain all the available strategies to stop foreclosure and help you keep your home. Landlords and lenders often are willing to be flexible about repayment of late or missing payments.
If you simply cannot make your payments, your counselor can provide advice for working with the lender. Your lender may be able to restructure your loan to a fixed rate, for example, or allow you to make smaller payments for a limited period of time (those payments will be added to the loan balance, though.) If necessary, your counselor will make referrals to other resources or alternatives such as a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (where you essentially turn the home back over to the lender). You'll leave the session with a plan outlining actions you need to take.
No. Unlike with credit counseling, the Save My Home Hotline counselors are unable to work directly with your lender. However, they will create an action plan to help you address your housing concerns. After the session, you should be better prepared to work with your lender. And, you may call the Hotline to speak with a counselor as many times as you need to make sure all of your questions and concerns are answered.
Your counseling session will consist of a review of your circumstances, including income, expenses, debts and mortgage terms. You should have the account numbers, billing addresses, current payments and balances for all creditors you owe, as well as any information from your mortgage lender, including payment amount and time delinquent (if applicable).
If you have a Union Plus Mortgage, you may also be eligible for the Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program.
Need help?
If you have questions, send an email to: grants@unionplus.org
The assistance we received certainly helped us deal with the realities of the situation.
What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard working Americans.
If you’re facing mortgage payment problems, talk to a HUD-certified housing counselor. It’s free and confidential.
Bankruptcy Counseling Fee Waiver
Before you file for bankruptcy, get pre-filing counseling for free. The $50 counseling fee is waived for union members.
The Union Plus Bankruptcy Counseling Fee Waiver is available through the non-profit, Money Management International (MMI).
Declaring bankruptcy is a big decision. But it may be your best option if you can’t pay your bills and your debt is mounting. The federal government requires pre-filing counseling to start the process and helps you understand how bankruptcy works.
Union members or union retirees can get a bankruptcy counseling fee waiver when you meet with a certified counselor from the Union Plus Credit Counseling Program through Money Management International (MMI).
Your questions, answered.
The free bankruptcy counseling filing fee waiver is currently available in the United States, but not available in Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, and Canada.
To be eligible, you must be:
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Dues-paying labor union members of participating unions
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Retired labor union members
Call the bankruptcy line for Union Plus Credit Counseling at 866-279-7197 (available 24/7) to set up an appointment.
Need help?
If you have questions, send an email to grants@unionplus.org
The assistance we received certainly helped us deal with the realities of the situation.
What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard-working Americans.
Get the $50 bankruptcy pre-filing counseling fee waived.
Disaster Relief Grants
If you’ve been impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible to receive a $500 disaster relief grant that doesn’t have to be repaid.
Call 800-622-2580 to speak directly with a specially trained representative. Representatives in the United States handle all customer service calls to the Union Plus Credit Card Program.*
Union Plus Mortgage, Union Plus Life, Accident, Union Plus Auto Insurance, Union Plus Personal Loan and Union Plus Retiree Healthcare holders should call 800-472-2005 to speak to a Union Plus staff member.
Your questions, answered.
To be considered for a Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant, the union member must:
- Have Union Plus Credit Card or Teamster Privilege Credit Card for at least three (3) months, Union Plus Mortgage, Union Plus Life or Accidental Death Insurance, Union Plus Retiree Healthcare or Union Plus Auto Insurance policy for at least 12 months, or Union Plus Personal Loan for at least six (6) months with the account or policy in good standing (be up-to-date on payments).
- Have your primary residence located in a county or parish affected by a natural disaster listed in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Declaration offering "Individual Assistance."
- Contact Union Plus to initiate a claim for a grant within twelve (12) months of the incident date.
- Have not received a disaster relief grant in the past, as these grants are once-per-lifetime.
Not all FEMA disaster declarations include "Individual Disaster Assistance." To check if your county or parish has been designated as an area eligible for individual assistance, visit FEMA’s disaster declarations page.
Grants may be considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service. Therefore, a Form 1099-MISC tax reporting form will be issued to each recipient of grants valued at $600 or more.
Disaster victims who participate in the Union Plus Mortgage programs may be eligible to receive payment extensions or other special help from the program providers.
Need help?
If you have questions about disaster relief grants, please contact one of the following:
Union Plus Credit Card or Teamster Privilege Credit Card cardholders
Call 800-622-2580
Union Plus Mortgage
Union Plus Life, Accident and Auto Insurance
Union Plus Retiree Healthcare
Union Plus Personal Loan holders
Call 800-472-2005
The assistance we received certainly helped us deal with the realities of the situation.
I made a phone call, and wow—one phone call to Union Plus—they really helped me out. It was incredible. It was almost like a dream.
What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard working Americans.
These hardship assistance grants are provided and administered through the AFL-CIO Mutual Benefit Plan (“The Plan”). Certain administrative responsibilities for the Plan have been delegated to Union Privilege. Union Privilege is the non-profit organization established to create and oversee member benefit programs for working families. Grants may not be offered in every state.
The Union Plus Credit Cards and Teamster Privilege Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
If you’ve been impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible to receive a $500 disaster relief grant that doesn't have to be repaid.
Debt Management
If you’re drowning in debt, it might be time to seek help. Debt management assistance can help you get back on your feet.
Union Plus Credit Counseling and Debt Management Plans are administered through Money Management International (MMI), a national nonprofit dedicated to changing lives and creating fresh starts for families and individuals struggling with financial challenges.
Debt and budget experts work with you to revamp your spending, create a repayment plan to help you successfully eliminate your debt, while negotiating perks like reduced interest rates and waived creditor fees.
Union members who need additional help eliminating debt can receive an enrollment fee waiver for the Debt Management Plan (DMP) available through Union Plus Credit Counseling.
Plus, union members can receive a grant to reimburse the monthly DMP fees after 12 months of successful participation in the DMP.
These grants are only available as long as funds last.
Your questions, answered.
You must be a union member or union retiree.
For the Debt Management Plan (DMP) grants, you must enroll after January 26, 2009 in the Union Plus Credit Counseling DMP through our program provider, Money Management International (MMI) by calling 877-833-1745 (available 24/7) or completing the online enrollment form on the MMI site.
To receive the grant, you must be successfully enrolled in the DMP for 12 months.
First, you must enroll in the Debt Management Plan (DMP) after January 26, 2009 at Money Management International (MMI) by calling 877-833-1745 (available 24/7) or completing the online enrollment form on the MMI site.
After enrolling in the DMP, you will receive a welcome letter from MMI, the non-profit credit counseling program provider. The letter will include your MMI Client ID.
After receiving your welcome letter, you must complete the online application form, and download and complete the Union Member Verification Form. Mail the Union Member Verification Form to the address below.
After 12 months of participation in the DMP, MMI will send you a Certificate of Participation validating your participation in the plan. The certificate will indicate the total amount of monthly fees for which you will be reimbursed. One year of your DMP fees will be reimbursed after completing 12 months in the plan.
Mail the Certificate of Participation and Union Member Verification Form to:
Union Plus DMP Grants
1100 First Street NE, Suite 850
Washington, DC 20002
Once the certificate is received and you're approved for the grant, a check will be mailed directly to you. You can expect to receive your check within 6-8 weeks after we receive your certificate.
The assistance we received certainly helped us deal with the realities of the situation.
I made a phone call, and wow—one phone call to Union Plus—they really helped me out. It was incredible. It was almost like a dream.
What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard working Americans.
Debt and budget experts can help you get back on your feet when you’re drowning in debt.
Hertz Vans & Trucks
Need to rent a van or truck? It just got a whole lot cheaper. Union members save up to 25% on base rates* of Hertz Vans & Trucks at participating locations.
Union Plus has partnered with Hertz to provide van and truck rental for union members at a reduced rate.
Hertz Vans and trucks are available to rent right in your neighborhood. Get extra space when you need it, plus these amazing benefits:
- Nationwide availability
- Convenient locations
- Flexible hours
- Variety of vehicle sizes
- Easy-to-drive vehicles
- Dedicated on-site support
Your questions, answered
Use your Hertz Vans & Trucks discount in 3 easy steps.
- Go to the Hertz Vans & Trucks discount website or call 1-800-654-2200 and use discount code (CDP#) 205666.
- Choose the location, dates and times you'd like to reserve a van or truck.
- Make your reservation and get moving!
This program is available at participating locations in the continental United States and Canada.
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Dues-paying labor union members of participating unions
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Retired union members
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Spouses and domestic partners of union members
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Widows/widowers of union members
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Union Plus Credit Cardholders
To reserve a Hertz van or truck by phone, call 1-800-654-2200. Use discount code (CDP#) 205666.
Need help?
If you have additional questions, call Hertz Vans & Trucks at 1-800-654-2200 and use discount code (CDP#) 205666.
Union Plus provides great opportunities and huge discounts! Who doesn't love discounts?
What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard-working Americans.
*Discount applies to pay later base rate. Taxes and fees excluded. Terms apply.
Save up to 25% on base rates of Hertz Vans & Trucks at participating locations.
Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
Are you ready to take the next step in your education? Eligible students across the country who have earned an associate degree can now complete their bachelor’s degree for free!
Spring 2 semester starts March 15
As a complement to the Union Plus Free College program, union members and their families can complete their Bachelor’s Degree online for free thanks to a partnership with Central State University (CSU).
Union Plus can help you continue your education journey. Students who have earned an associate degree or 60 or more college credits with a minimum 2.2 cumulative GPA* may enroll in the Bachelor's Degree Completion programs at CSU.
Students who have not yet earned an associate degree or are just getting started in higher education can begin with the Free College program at Eastern Gateway Community College and then, transfer into the Bachelor’s Degree Completion programs at CSU.
No Cost to You
Because of the current economic and health uncertainty, all students who begin or continue their academic program are eligible for a Free College last-dollar scholarship, which allows students to complete their degree (through graduation) with no out-of-pocket cost for tuition, fees or e-books.
You may enroll full- or part-time. Continuous enrollment from semester to semester is required.
Students must apply for federal financial aid and use any grants to pay the tuition. They must also use any employer-sponsored tuition assistance.
Central State University is Regionally Accredited
Central State University, established in 1887, is a respected, regionally accredited academic institution. A public land-grant college, CSU is governed by the Ohio Department of Higher Ed and is part of the University System of Ohio.
Bachelor’s Degrees Offered
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Business Management
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Teacher Education - Early Education (Pre-K – 5th Grade) and Intervention Specialist
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Criminal Justice
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Interdisciplinary Studies - Humanities
Classes Begin Every Eight Weeks
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All courses are conducted online
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Students can take one or more courses
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Courses are offered in both 16- and 8-week formats
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CSU accepts as many previous credits as possible
Your questions, answered.
Go to bachelorsdegree.unionplus.org and select the "Get Started" button. Fill out your contact and union information (for membership verification), and your program of interest.
You'll be directed to complete the Central State University (CSU) application form and the financial aid form (FAFSA).
Applicants will be contacted by an enrollment specialist to help with any questions.
Students who apply to Central State University must have an Associate Degree or completed 60 college credits with a 2.2 GPA* and must apply for and use any available federal grants. Students who have not yet earned an Associate Degree or are just getting started in higher education can begin with the Free College program at Eastern Gateway Community College and then transfer into the Bachelor’s Degree Completion programs at CSU.
The program is available in the Unites States including Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Dues-paying labor union members of participating unions
- Retired union members
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Widows/widowers of union members
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Spouses and domestic partners of union members
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Children of union members, including step-children and children-in-law (no age limits)
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Grandchildren of union members
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Financial dependents of union members
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Siblings of union members
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Parents of union members
Call 888-897-9671 to speak to an enrollment advisor.
Need help?
To request help by phone, call Customer Support at 888-897-9671 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET).
To request online support, please send an email to CSU at Advising@lowcostdegrees.org or complete the interest form.
Union Plus allowed me to finish my bachelor’s degree in business for free, this was the breakthrough I finally needed.
Another awesome savings offered by Union Plus, thank you for recognizing us union workers! Appreciate all the support.
Without these grant opportunities, I wouldn't be able to attend college. It also sets a great example for my two sons, who see their father working hard to complete these degree programs.
You may be eligible to complete your bachelor’s degree for free! Click the button below to enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program.
*All final decisions regarding the transferability of credits are made by CSU.
Eligible students who have earned an associate degree can now complete their bachelor’s degree for free!
Legal Program
Do you have a legal question? Need to hire an attorney? Because you’re a union member, you can get free access to basic legal help or upgrade to a higher level of premium legal services for a low monthly fee.
For a low fee of $22.95* a month, you'll have access to a network of experienced attorneys, ready whenever you are.
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Unlimited access to legal assistance
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All attorney fees are paid by the plan for covered matters**
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Expert legal advice and representation, in person or by phone
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Network of over 18,000 attorneys
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No limitations such as hour or dollar caps on covered matters
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Digital estate planning to create wills, living wills and powers of attorney in as little as 15 minutes
Already enrolled? For billing inquiries and membership status, call 800-339-0616.
Your union membership gives you FREE access to basic legal benefits.
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Free initial thirty-minute consultation
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25% discount off attorney’s hourly or flat rate fees
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Over 6,800 participating law firms
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Virtually all types of legal matters are eligible
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After registration, you'll be provided with the toll-free number to call for a referral
The assistance we received certainly helped us deal with the realities of the situation.
I made one phone call to Union Plus, and they really helped me out. It was incredible. It was almost like a dream.
What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard working Americans.
*Group legal plans provided by MetLife Legal Plans, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. In certain states, group legal plans are provided through insurance coverage underwritten by Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates, Warwick, RI. Some services not available in all states. Please see your plan description for details. MetLife® is a registered trademark of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY. No service, including consultations, will be provided for: 1) employment-related matters, including company or statutory benefits and employment-related matters involving a labor union; 2) matters involving the employer, MetLife and affiliates and plan attorneys; 3) matters in which there is a conflict of interest between the employee and spouse or dependents in which case services are excluded for the spouse and dependents; 4) appeals and class actions; 5) farm and business matters, including rental issues when the participant is the landlord; 6) patent, trademark and copyright matters; 7) costs and fines; 8) frivolous or unethical matters; 9) matters for which an attorney-client relationship exists prior to the participant becoming eligible for plan benefits. For all other personal legal matters, an advice and consultation benefit is provided. Additional representation is also included for certain matters.
**This plan does not cover divorce (except a one-hour consultation), child custody, DUI or employment matters. Other exclusions apply, see the plan documents for more details.
Get free access to basic legal services or upgrade to our premium program, at a discounted price.
Debt Settlement
Get the help you need when unexpected expenses, job loss and medical bills make it impossible to pay off your credit cards.
Union Plus has partnered with Freedom Debt Relief to offer a debt settlement program designed to help union members get out of debt as quickly as possible, for one low monthly program payment.
Union Plus has partnered with Freedom Debt Relief to offer an affordable, personalized debt solution to help union members overcome their debt.
In addition, union members could get up to $500 in extra savings.*
- No loan required
- 1 low monthly program payment
- Reduce what you owe
- Become debt-free faster
- Save money on your debt
Union members get a FREE debt evaluation with a Certified Debt Consultant which includes a personalized review of options to get out of debt, a savings estimate, and a follow up debt report.
Your questions, answered.
Freedom Debt Relief is available to union members and their families who are struggling with $10,000 or more in credit card, personal loan, or medical debt. Mortgage debt, car loans, federal student loans, and other kinds of secured debt do not qualify for our program. To see if you qualify, fill out our simple online form now.
Freedom Debt Relief can help consumers in Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Guam, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington DC , Wisconsin.
Need help?
To get more answers about their debt relief program, contact Freedom Debt Relief directly at 800-230-2541.
The Union Plus Member Advocacy Program, staffed by OPEIU Local 2 members, is here to help you resolve any problems. Contact us at 800-472-2005 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET, weekdays) or online.
It would have taken me 15 years to get out of debt. With Freedom, it’s only going to take me three.
What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard working Americans.
Freedom Debt Relief is the BEST! I would highly recommend them if you are experiencing financial issues...they help you along the process every step of the way!
To find out if you qualify for debt relief, just answer a few simple questions about your debt. We'll tell you instantly if this program is right for you.
*As a qualifying union member, you could earn up to $500 upon having your first account settled (the “Incentive Credit”); the Incentive Credit will be 0.5% of the total debt that is enrolled into your Freedom Debt Relief program and shall be in the form of a credit into your dedicated settlement account upon the first settlement of an enrolled account; the maximum Incentive Credit available is $500.00. For example, if you enroll $50,000 of debt into your Freedom Debt Relief program, upon the first settlement of an enrolled debt, $250.00 will be placed into your dedicated settlement account.
Our estimates are based on prior results, which will vary depending on your specific enrolled creditors and your individual program terms. Not all clients are able to complete their program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. We do not guarantee that your debts will be resolved for a specific amount or percentage or within a specific period of time. We do not assume your debts, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Our service is not available in all states and our fees may vary from state to state. Please contact a tax professional to discuss potential tax consequences of less than full balance debt resolution. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment. The use of debt settlement services will likely adversely affect your creditworthiness, may result in you being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or collectors and may increase the outstanding balances of your enrolled accounts due to the accrual of fees and interest. However, negotiated settlements we obtain on your behalf resolve the entire account, including all accrued fees and interest. C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S.12-03825.
If your credit card debt has suddenly tallied up to $10,000 or more, debt settlement may be able to help.