Financial and legal assistance during coronavirus

UFT resources

You must be a UFT member to access these services:

• UFT Legal Service Plan
  The Legal Services Plan of the UFT provides union members with access to attorneys who will assist them, for free or at discounted rates. To access this legal plan, UFT members should call the UFT-dedicated line at 212-331-6325.
• Student Debt Relief Program
  If you are a full-time educator working for the Department of Education, you may be eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The Student Debt Relief Program is an exclusive member benefit brought to you by the UFT. 

NYSUT resources

You must be a NYSUT member to access these services:

• Stacy Braun Financial Counseling
  Current participants in our endorsed Financial Counseling Program provided by Stacey Braun Associates Inc., have access to a team of Certified Financial Planners and Registered Investment Advisors that can provide you with fee-based financial counseling services. 
• Cambridge Credit Counseling
  Cambridge Credit Counseling has created a helpful webinar for NYSUT members and their families about how student loans may be impacted by the CARES Act. 
• More information on COVID-19 related updates to all NYSUT Member Benefits programs

AFT resources

You must be a Union Plus member to access these services:

• Credit counseling
• Debt management
• Money transfer for sending funds abroad
• Legal program
  MetLife Legal Plans is here to help union members and their families navigate this challenging time by offering no-cost document reviews and consultations through July 31, 2020.
• Save My Home hotline

Resources for all NYC employees

Emergency loans

• The Hebrew Free Loan Society Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan Program provides interest-free loans of $2,000-$5,000.

Mortgage help

• All New York State mortgage lenders are being urged — but not required — to defer mortgage payments for 90 days. Check with your lender to confirm specific bank policies.

Consumer debt

• Credit Karma has a list of some credit card issuers who will accept requests to defer payments and/or rescind late fees.

Federal Coronavirus Economic Impact Payment

• Those who filed federal taxes in 2018 or 2019 or receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits will automatically receive the one-time federal payment via the mail or deposited in the bank account they used to pay taxes.
• Those who did not file taxes last year should sign up online to receive the payment.

Specific utility resources

• National Grid has suspended collections services, including gas disconnections. Residential and commercial heat and cooking gas cannot be shut off through the end of April.
• Con Edison has suspended service shut-offs during this crisis.