NALC

National Association of Letter Carriers

Short Name
Letter Carriers

Real Estate Rewards

Earn cash back on your home sale or purchase

Buying or selling a home? You can earn up to $500 cash back* for every $100,000 in home value when you use a participating real estate agent referred by SIRVA.

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Union members can earn significant cash back rewards after closing when you use one of SIRVA’s referred real estate agents to buy or sell your home.

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More than 4,700 certified agents
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Local
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Experienced
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How much money will you get back?
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Union members earn on average $1,368.42** cash back when buying or selling a home with a referred real estate agent from SIRVA.

For every $100,000 in home value at closing, you earn up to $500 cash back after you close. Here are some cash back examples:

  • Your home value: $150,000. You earn $750.  

  • Your home value: $250,000. You earn $1,250.  

  • Your home value: $350,000. You earn $1,750.  

  • Your home value: $450,000. You earn $2,250.  

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FAQ
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Your questions, answered.

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How does it work?
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Use your Union Plus Real Estate Rewards with 3 easy steps.

  1. Call 800-284-9756 or visit  here  to let us know you’re interested in our real estate rewards program. 
  2. SIRVA will find an approved agent in your area. 
  3. If you decide to use the agent to buy or sell your home, you can earn up to $500 for every $100,000 in home value after closing.
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Who is eligible?
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The program is available in the United States and not available in Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands or Canada. 

Union Plus Real Estate Discounts are available to:  

  • Dues-paying labor union members of participating unions 

  • Retired labor union members 

  • Spouses, children and parents of union members 

  • Widows/widowers of union members 

  • Working America members

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Look what people are saying
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Our agent helped us purchase our home. We just moved in a few days ago and she’s still helping us with stuff. They’re the most amazing agents we’ve worked with.

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Howard F.
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What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard working Americans.

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Meesha T.
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AFT Member
Ready to earn cash back?

To earn cash back when you buy or sell your home, use a participating real estate agent referred by SIRVA. Click the button below to get started.

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*Certain state restrictions apply to the real estate cash back program. To qualify for cash back reward (in cash back states), you must use a SIRVA-referred real estate agent. Program designed as a referral service to provide you the opportunity to select a real estate agent to meet your needs. You must evaluate the brokers, agents and their services and make selections and decisions based upon your best judgment, interest, priorities and concerns. Call 800-284-9756 or visit www.UP-RealEstateRewards.com for important program details and state restrictions. 

The minimum home value required for cash back or reduced commission is $75,000. There is  no monetary reward  for members, who use the program to buy a home, in non-cash back states. You must use a program-referred real estate agent in order to qualify for the cash back reward. 

**Based on total cash awarded from 1/1/19 to 12/31/19. 

SIRVA is an independent provider of services. Union Plus is not affiliated with SIRVA and does not manage SIRVA or its programs.  SIRVA is paying Union Plus for advertising services including dissemination of information about SIRVA and its programs to participating unions and their members as well as participation in Union Plus events and programs.   

No referral, recommendation, service representation or exclusivity requirement is intended by the Union Plus’s mention or dissemination of the SIRVA name and delivery of this information to participating union members. 

It is important that you evaluate the information provided and make decisions based upon your own best interest, priorities, and concerns. 

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Earn cash back on your home sale or purchase when you use a participating realtor.

Union Plus Scholarships

Apply for a scholarship just for union families

Union Plus Scholarships help union families with the cost of college.

2021 application is now closed. Awards will be announced the first week of June.

2022 application will be available in mid-June.

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Nearly $5 million in scholarships awarded to union families
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Since 1991, the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $4.8 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education. More than 3,200 families have benefited from our commitment to higher education.

The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation, supported in part by contributions from the provider of the  Union Plus Credit Card.  (You do not need to be a Union Plus Credit Card holder to apply for this scholarship.)

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Meet the latest scholarship recipients
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The Union Plus Scholarship awards are presented annually to union members or members of their families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education. In 2020, 215 union members and union family members were awarded $300,000 in Union Plus Scholarships, ranging from $750 to $4,000.

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How the Union Plus Scholarship Program works 

Eligibility 

Current and retired members of participating unions, their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant's spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one-year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31 of the scholarship year. See more details on eligibility in the tab below. 

Evaluation Criteria 

This is a competitive scholarship. Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. The required essays can account for up to half your total score. Scholarship applicants are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators 

Application Timeline 

Applications are available starting in mid-June, and a complete application must be received on or before 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Eastern Standard Time on January 31st of the scholarship year. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. 

Scholarship Award Amounts 

Amounts range from $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the Fall of 2021. Students may re-apply each year.

Isaiah's Award

Isaiah's Award was created to honor the exceptional life of Isaiah C., a beloved child, fostered and adopted by a current, long-time employee of Union Plus.  Isaiah was a smart, talented, spiritual, generous and kind young man. It is our wish that his gentle spirit live on, in part, through this namesake scholarship.

Applicants for Isaiah's Award must have a special connection to the foster care system, and will be asked in their application to describe their personal, employment, volunteer experiences, or career goals related to the foster care system. 

Award Date 

The Scholarship Committee will determine recipients of scholarship awards by May 31 each year. During the first week of June award recipients will be individually notified by mail, and all applicants will be sent an email with notification that the award list is posted.  Please note that due to the volume of applications we cannot provide any information on the status of an application before award announcements are made. 

Outstanding Scholarship Recipients 

The students selected for university, college, trade or technical school scholarships represent a wide sampling of backgrounds, union affiliations, goals and accomplishments. The selection process is very competitive since we receive over thousands of applications each year. 

The Union Plus Education Foundation 

The Union Plus Education Foundation has awarded more than $4.8 million in scholarships to students of union families. Over 3,200 union families have benefited from our commitment to higher education. 

With the help of donations from union supporters, the Foundation can help even more union families attain their education goals. Learn more about the  Union Plus Education Foundation

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Your questions, answered.

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What is the deadline to apply?
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Your application must be complete and received by 12:00 p.m. (noon, ET) on Sunday, January 31, 2021.

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Who is eligible to apply?
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Current and retired members of unions that participate in any Union Plus program, their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations) can apply for a Union Plus Scholarship. Grandchildren are not eligible unless a legal dependent (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant's spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31, 2021.

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I am not sure if my union is eligible, how can I check?
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A list of eligible unions is provided in a drop-down menu in the Union Information section of the scholarship application. You might also ask your local union representative or visit your local or national union’s website to check if they offer Union Plus benefits. Also, a list of eligible unions is available in the drop-down menu when you create an account on the Union Plus website.

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Do I have to participate in a Union Plus program to be eligible?
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No, you do not have to purchase any Union Plus product or participate in any Union Plus program to be eligible.

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What years of study are covered?
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The scholarship applies to any year of study, from the freshman year of college through the last year of graduate school, including law school and medical school. The applicant must be accepted into a U.S. accredited post-secondary school at the time the award is issued.

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What types of schools are covered?
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U.S. accredited colleges and universities, including undergraduate and graduate schools, community colleges, trade and technical schools.

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Are there geographic restrictions?
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Union members (and family members) from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada are eligible. Awards apply only to those attending a U.S. accredited college, university, trade or technical school.

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What do I need to include to complete the scholarship application?
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Information and requirements include:

  • One letter of reference from a teacher or other adult who is familiar with your achievements and abilities. We encourage applicants to obtain and submit their letter of reference on their own. However, if your reference requires that the letter remain confidential, you have an option to nominate your reference so the letter may be submitted confidentially. (The application will request that you to send an email to your reference, who will be instructed on how to confidentially attach their letter.) The letter must be in Word (.doc/.docx); Adobe (.pdf); JPEG (.jpeg, .jpg); PNG (.png).
  • Two required essays of approximately 350 words each.
    1. What challenges has the Covid-19 pandemic presented for you and your family? What did you learn about yourself trying to overcome these challenges?
    2. Describe your relationship with the union and the labor movement, in what ways has it personally affected your life and your family's life?
  • Union information. National or international union name, local union number, local union's address, phone number and the name of the local union President or Business Manager. You need this information for your union, your spouse's union or your parent's union (if you are a dependent). If you or your family members are affiliated with multiple unions you must list this information for all.
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I am not a union member and I don’t know how to answer the essay question.
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Submit an essay of approximately 350 words describing your relationship with the union and the labor movement. In what ways has it personally affected your life and your family’s life?

Refer to the following advice listed in the Essay section: Because this is a union scholarship, we are looking for your own knowledge of unions and the labor movement. Although it may be included, please do not simply recite typical labor history. Write about personal stories and experiences. Many applicants may not be union members but are the children or spouses of union members. Talk with union family members (parents, spouses, grandparents, etc.) and ask them about their experiences in the union. Relate personal stories and experiences on how being in a union has made a difference in their life and your life.

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Do you have hard copies of this application?
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No, you can only apply for the Union Plus Scholarship using this online form.

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My teacher/reference needs the letter of reference to be submitted confidentially, how can I do this?
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In the application’s Reference Letter section there is detailed explanation of how to nominate a third party to submit the letter of reference confidentially.

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What is the scholarship award evaluation criteria?
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  • This is a competitive scholarship, and applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended.
  • Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor.
  • The required essays can account for up to half your total score. 
  • Scholarship applicants are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators.
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What time period does the award cover?
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Awards are issued in June of 2021 and apply to the 2021 - 2022 school year. The applicant must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued.

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What are the scholarship award amounts?
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Amounts range from $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the fall of 2021. Students may re-apply each year.

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Is the scholarship renewable?
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No, these are one-time awards. But each year you may re-apply and you might be selected to receive another award.

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Will I be notified about the status of my application?
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When you successfully submit your application you'll get a screen message confirming your application was received. Due to the volume of applications, we cannot provide any information on the status of an application before the award announcements are made during the first week of June 2021. All applicants will be notified by email when the award list is posted at the Union Plus website by mid-June.

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When and how are the scholarship awards announced?
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Awards are announced by mail the first week of June 2021. Award recipients who do not respond are then contacted by phone. All applicants will be notified by email when the award list is posted at unionplus.org/scholarships by mid-June 2021. Please note that due to the volume of applications we cannot provide any information on the status of an application before award announcements are made.

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Who offers the Union Plus Scholarship?
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The Union Plus Scholarship is offered by the Union Plus Education Foundation, with funding from Capital One N.A., the provider of the Union Plus Credit Card. (Note, you do not need to be a Union Plus card holder to be eligible to apply). Union Plus is the branded name of benefits offered by Union Privilege. Union Privilege is the organization behind the Union Plus programs. The AFL-CIO created Union Privilege in 1986 to provide union members and their families with valuable consumer benefits. By using the collective buying power of unions, we are able to offer valuable, discounted products and services exclusively to working families.

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Need help? 

If you have questions about the Union Plus Scholarship program, send an email to  scholarships@unionplus.org

 If you have started an application, be sure to check the FAQ button in the dashboard of your application.

If you are having trouble logging into your Scholarship application, click on the Forgot Password link on the Scholarship website's login page  to reset your password. 

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Look what people are saying
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In the past year, I have truly come to appreciate the power of collective bargaining and the incredible force of the labor movement, and I will never forget the influence it has had on my family.

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Claire H.
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Child of IBEW Local 816 Member
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What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard-working Americans.

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Meesha T.
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AFT Member
Ready to apply?

Click the button below to start your application for a 2021 Union Plus Scholarship. You must complete your application by January 31 to be eligible.

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To receive mobile text alerts about education-related deadlines and information, text STUDENT to 22555* 

*Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply STOP to opt-out. We'll txt you approx. 1x/mo. Terms & Conditions/Privacy Policy. Reply HELP or contact help@unionplus.org for help. 

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Union Plus Scholarships help union families with the cost of college.  

Union Plus Credit Card

The credit card made for union members

91% of cardholders surveyed recommend Union Plus Credit Cards.1 See what makes these union-backed cards work.

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Capital One is here to help cardholders who may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more

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Make purchases with confidence
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Find anything you need to know about the card that puts union strength in your pocket.
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Card options
Our 3 card options can help with everything from earning rewards to building credit with responsible use.*
Competitive rates and benefits
Take advantage of competitive interest rates, valuable Mastercard® benefits and more.
Union support
This card has your back. Check out the benefits available to Union Plus Cardholders.
What cardholders are saying
See what union members are loving about Union Plus Credit Cards.
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Let’s get you where you need to go
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check my account
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Sign in to manage
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Access your Union Plus Credit Card account or activate a new card in seconds.

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apply
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Choose the card for you
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The Union Plus Credit Card program has 3 cards tailored to distinct needs, and all cards offer great benefits and excellent service. Choose the card for you and apply in minutes.

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See the benefits
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Ready to enjoy competitive rates, $0 Fraud Liability protection if your card is lost or stolen3 and many more cardholder benefits? Check out all that’s available to Union Plus Cardholders.

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Features cardholders love
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Hardship Grants
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Extra help for eligible cardholders.

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$0 Fraud Liability
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You’re covered if your card is lost or stolen.

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Shield
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U.S.-Based Phone Service
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24/7 customer support whenever you need it.

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Wait, there’s more

The features of the Union Plus Credit Card program go beyond the card. Learn more about how you can start enjoying the powerful offerings that come with being a cardholder.

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Get support when you need it most
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From our Job Loss Grant to additional support during strikes, disability or even natural disasters, hardship help is here for you and your family in difficult times.

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Eligibility
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The Union Plus Credit Card program is available in the United States to:

  • Dues-paying labor union members of participating unions
  • Retired labor union members
  • Working America members
  • Union family members may also be eligible
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Need help?
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If you need to ask a question, resolve a problem or get help, contact us.

Need something else? The Union Plus Member Advocacy Program, staffed by OPEIU Local 2 union members, is here to resolve any problems you have with a Union Plus program.

Contact us at 800-472-2005 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET, weekdays) or complete the Union Plus Feedback Form. If possible, please have the name or employee ID number for the Union Plus benefits provider staff member you spoke to.

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Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at UnionPlus.org/Assistance.

Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

1Email survey of Union Plus Credit Cardholders conducted in February 2020 by Union Plus. 6,380 responders; 5,799 answered “Yes” when asked, “Would you recommend the Union Plus Credit Card Program?”

*Credit approval required. The Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A., pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.

3Claims are subject to investigation and verification.

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Choose the card that works best for you, whether you want to build credit with responsible card use, have low interest rates or earn cash back.

Mortgage Program

Mortgages for union families

Are you looking to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage? Union Plus offers homebuying benefits you can't get anywhere else.

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Finance your home with confidence
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Competitive rates 
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Get great rates on a wide range of mortgage options.

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Teamwork
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Mortgage assistance
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Hardship assistance in case of disability, lay off, lock out or strike.

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Gift rewards
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Receive exclusive gift rewards after you close.

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Two mortgage programs to choose from
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Union Plus Mortgage Company
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Union Plus Mortgage Company is a union-owned company that offers numerous loan options and convenient online service.

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  • Convenient online application and assistance by phone.
  • Union Plus Mortgage Company is union-owned* by the AFL-CIO, Union Privilege, and a group of unions. We are stronger together. 
  • Competitive rates on a wide-range of mortgage options, including conventional, FHA, and VA loans. Let us help you find the right loan.
  • $500 gift card after closing for purchasing or refinancing.
  • $250 gift card for First-Time Home Buyers.

 

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Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
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Wells Fargo Home Mortgage offers union members low down payments and a variety of financing options.

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  • My Mortgage GiftSM award from Wells Fargo after closing—$500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing—for use at participating retailers.**
  • Choose how you want to work with a knowledgeable home mortgage consultant—either in your local area or via phone and email.
  • Home financing options to meet a variety of needs, including low down payment options, VA loans and newly constructed homes loans. 
  • Educational tools and resources to help you prepare for homeownership.
Mortgage Assistance

Both Union Plus Mortgage Programs come with the exclusive union member benefit of Mortgage Assistance. If you've had a Union Plus home mortgage for a year or more and become disabled, laid off, locked out or go on strike, you may be eligible for Union Plus Mortgage Assistance.

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Are you a veteran?
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If you’re a veteran and you purchase a primary residence, you may be eligible for a one-time grant of $1,000 from Union Plus after you close on your home purchase.

You must submit your application for a Veteran’s Grant no later than 90 days after the closing date of your Union Plus mortgage. This grant is from AFL-CIO MBF.

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Look what people are saying
Testimonials
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Union Plus provides great opportunities and huge discounts! Who doesn't love discounts?

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Ashley M.
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Union Member
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What I’m so impressed by is the fact that Union Plus is providing benefits for and actually caring about hard working Americans.

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Meesha T.
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AFT Member
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Union Plus Mortgage Company has a services agreement with Union Privilege in which Union Privilege receives a financial benefit for providing agreed upon services.

Union Plus Mortgage Company NMLSR 1561829

Wells Fargo

**Eligible individuals can receive the Wells Fargo My Mortgage GiftSM award approximately 6 weeks after closing on a new purchase or refinance loan secured by an eligible first mortgage or deed of trust with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (“New Loan”), subject to qualification, approval and closing, when identifying themselves as eligible. The My Mortgage GiftSM award is not available with The Relocation Mortgage Program® or to any Wells Fargo team member. Only one My Mortgage Gift award is permitted per eligible New Loan. This award cannot be combined with any other award, discount or rebate as described in the Terms and Conditions. This award is void where prohibited, transferable, and subject to change or cancellation with no prior notice. Awards may constitute taxable income. Federal, state and local taxes, and any use of the award not otherwise specified in the Terms and Conditions (also provided at receipt of award) are the sole responsibility of the My Mortgage GiftSM recipient.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.© 2019 All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.

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Union Plus offers homebuying benefits you can't get anywhere else.