Beyond Wages and Benefits
The most important benefit of being part of a union is that you and your co-workers have a voice in decisions that affect your worklife. And by acting together, union members can improve working conditions, benefits and wages for themselves and improve the communities we all live in.
At the same time, a tough economy in our state means more and more people are facing hard times. If you or a co-worker is in immediate crisis, or have other needs like banking, discounts on purchases, or help with filing your taxes, the following information may be helpful.
The services and assistance referenced here are made in an attempt to provide helpful information to our members. UFCW 21 cannot assure the quality or accuracy of the information provided by the organizations and institutions. As always when doing banking, housing, financial or other important consumer decisions, you should read information closely to insure your protection.
UFCW Scholarships
UFCW 21 offers many scholarships for students. Scholarship applications become available in the beginning of the year and the deadline to apply is February 15th.
In addition, each year the UFCW International awards scholarships as well.
General Assistance
2-1-1 Community Information Line. By dialing "211" on your local phone, you'll reach this information line which offers expert assistance and help accessing community resources such as help with rent, food, and low cost legal services.
Puget Sound Labor Agency offers an online service at pslaonline.org designed to help people in need. Supported by UFCW 21 and other unions and community groups, the Labor Agency offers a food bank, a free household goods pick-up and delivery program, a wheelchair and mobility program, and specific programs to assist children such as toddler feeding and school supplies.
Food
Basic Food (also called Food Stamps): 1-888-436-6392. Basic Food provides money to buy food using an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT). EBT cards work like debit cards. You can spend your monthly benefits in participating grocery stores. To find out how much your family's monthly benefit could be, call the Family Food Hotline at 1-888-436-6392.
Banking and Loans
More info coming soon.
Home Buying Programs & Credit
The Union Plus Mortgage Program can make buying or selling a home or refinancing a mortgage easier and more affordable. Features for UFCW 21 members include Home Planning Partnership Program workshops every month, as well as first-time home buyer programs, member-only savings, and mortgage assistance in the event of layoff, disability, or strike. For more information call 1-866-910-2247.
Union members, their children and parents are eligible to participate in the Union Home Services Program and can receive a 20% rebate on the commission of a home purchase or sale. This can amount to several thousands of dollars. To learn more, call: 1-877-779-0197.
Union Plus offers free and confidential credit counseling and discounted debt assistance. Call 1-877-833-1745.
Unemployment Insurance
Need to get unemployment? Call 1-800-318-6022.
Crisis and Suicide Hotlines
24-Hour Crisis Line - Call 1-866-427-4747 for immediate help for individuals, families and friends of people in emotional crisis.
The National Suicide Hotline - Call 1-800-784-2433 to reach the National Suicide Hotline.
Domestic Violence
Washington Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-562-6025
"Peace in the Home" domestic violence line: 1-888-847-7205 connects domestic violence victims to a social worker of their language & culture in the Seattle area.
Seniors and Families
Senior Services: 206-448-5757 (TDD: 206-448-5025). Ask to speak with the Information and Assistance Department.
Important Information for Families: ParentHelp123.org or hotline at 1-866-585-1123 helps Washington State families apply for health and food programs online, and locate resources in their local communities. The website has health information for pregnant women, parents of new babies, and families with children.
Health Care
Apple Health Insurance For Kids: 1-877-543-7669. A family of four making $53,000 or less, or a family of three making $44,000 or less, would be eligible for health care benefits.
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Helpline: 1-800-562-6900.
The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Helpline provides free health insurance education, assistance, and advocacy to all Washington residents.
Need money
for school?
Apply today for the
UFCW International Scholarship
June 15 deadline
Applications and information
