AFSCME federal employee members who participate in Union Plus credit card, personal loan or mortgage programs may be eligible for hardship benefits if they are laid off:

• Union Plus credit card and personal loan customers may apply for a $500 grant after 45 days of uninterrupted, involuntary unemployment.
• The Mortgage Assistance program offers eligible Union Plus Mortgage customers interest-free loans and grants to help make mortgage payments for up to six months. Those who qualify will also be eligible for a $1,000 hardship grant.

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers free career assistance, certifications courses and skills training to recently laid off federal employees living within NOVA’s service area and who meet other eligibility conditions. 

"NOVA helps unemployed federal workers and federal contractors quickly and effectively transition their talents to new careers through a new partnership called NOVAnext. Free of charge to eligible participants, the initiative enables workers to explore how their skills and experience can match in-demand jobs available in the region or gain the skills needed to start an enterprise."

Learn more and apply for the program.