Between gas prices, groceries and utility bills that seem to rise every month, inflation and high prices are hitting working families hard.
As an IAM member, you are never navigating these tough economic times alone. To help you save money as prices go up, here’s regional financial assistance programs and money-saving benefits from your IAM Legal and Personal Protection Plan:
1. Northeast State Assistance Programs
Government-backed programs are designed to fight the rising cost of living. Eligibility limits vary by state.
Northeast members can use the official direct application portals below to check eligibility and apply for utility assistance (LIHEAP) and food support (SNAP):
| State | Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) | Food Assistance (SNAP) |
| New York | NYS HEAP Portal | NYS myBenefits |
| New Jersey | NJ DCAid Utility System | NJ SNAP Application |
| Pennsylvania | PA LIHEAP Portal | PA COMPASS System |
| Connecticut | CT Winter Heating Help | ct.gov Food Support |
| Massachussetts | MA Home Energy Help | MA DTA Connect |
For members living in other states or territories, you can find your regional office through the federal directories at USA.gov/help-with-energy-bills or the FNS SNAP State Directory.
2. Money-Savers in Your IAM Legal Plan
Traffic Ticket Defense with a Massive Discount
Getting a traffic violation is an instant blow to your wallet. Hiring a private attorney to fight it can cost anywhere from $250 to $500 out of pocket (not to mention the court fine and jump in your car insurance)
For a significantly reduced, flat rate for traffic ticket defense compared to outside lawyers, IAM Legal Plan vetted lawyers will handle the court dates and negotiate to get your points or fines reduced.
Don’t Pay by the Minute for Free Legal Advice
Usually, most people avoid calling an attorney because they are terrified of getting a big bill for a 5-minute question.
With your Legal Plan, call and get professional legal advice as many times as you want, for free, on unlimited topics.
Free Financial Counseling & Debt Advice
If high prices have forced you to rely more heavily on credit cards, your legal plan connects you to certified financial counselors for free. They can help you analyze your budget, create a structured plan to tackle debt, and guide you away from high-fee debt traps.
Complimentary Simple Wills & Powers of Attorney
Setting up an estate plan through a private attorney can easily cost $1,000 or more.
Your IAM legal plan provides free Simple Will preparation and document creation to protect your family’s future.
Document & Contract Review
Before you sign a new lease, a car purchase agreement, or a major service contract, have a preferred union lawyer review the paperwork for free. They can spot hidden fees, or unfair clauses before you sign.
Tenant & Housing Support
With rent prices remaining high, landlords sometimes try to pass illegal fee hikes or maintenance costs onto tenants.
Your plan gives you access to free assistance from a certified housing lawyer to ensure your rights are legally protected.
24/7 Identity & Credit Monitoring
Identity theft is a direct attack on your bank account. If a thief gets hold of your Social Security Number, they can open lines of credit, drain your savings, and ruin your credit score.
Your IAM legal plan includes built-in Identity and Credit Protection to stop fraud before it starts. Your plan provides continuous monitoring of your critical financial information. It scans the dark web and monitors your credit files for suspicious activity, alerting you when red flags pop up.
Applying for Medicare (Without Getting Ripped Off)
If you or a family member are turning 65, healthcare costs can hurt. Don’t let private insurance companies trick you into buying expensive supplemental plans.
Your IAM legal plan connects you with professionals who can help you navigate Medicare coordination, review supplemental healthcare contracts for free, and ensure you are getting the federal discounts you earned through a lifetime of hard work.
Cut Everyday Costs with Our Savings Hub
Your portal also features an exclusive Savings Hub packed with direct discounts on everyday things. Instead of paying full price, logging into the hub gives you instant access to union-member-only price cuts.
How to Take Advantage of Your Benefits
Don’t pay out of pocket for legal help you already have!
To use your legal benefits, please ensure you have completed the plan enrollment by tapping below. Once you enroll, you’ll receive an email to create your account.
