Frequently Asked Questions
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E-Dues: Frequently Asked Questions
New Members
How do I sign up for AFGE E-Dues?
A: Simply go to www.joinafge.org, select your agency and local, and complete the brief form. The whole process takes no more than 5 minutes.
Q: Why can’t you just deduct dues from my paycheck like you do now?
A: We built AFGE E-Dues, which collects membership dues through convenient bank draft or credit card payment, to guard against assaults on paycheck dues deduction. E-Dues puts union members in control of their dues dollars, not agency management. We need to be proactive and stay ahead of the storm. We can’t afford to wait until it’s too late.
Q: I’m not comfortable giving my credit card or banking information. How can I know my info is safe?
A: AFGE will not be storing anyone’s financial information on our equipment. Your payment will be processed by one of the largest payment processors in the world, which is certified at the highest level of security for customers’ financial information.
Q: How does this change the process for dropping out now that the agency is not involved?
A: Just like now, you will have the opportunity to leave 30 days before your anniversary date of signing up with AFGE. You will need to alert your local president (or designated local AFGE official) in writing during that time so they can end your dues. You may also send notice toEDues@afge.org.
Q: If I give you my credit card now, can I update to bank draft later?
A: Yes. You may manage your Payment Method by logging into AFGE.ORG and visiting MyProfile.
E-Dues: Frequently Asked Questions for Members
Current AFGE Members
Q: I already pay dues. Why do I have to sign up again?
A: There are moves underway to eliminate dues on the federal level. We need to be proactive and stay ahead of the storm. We can’t afford to wait until it’s too late.
Q: How do I switch from payroll deduction to E-Dues?
Once you sign up for E-Dues at join.afge.org, your Local leadership will process your Agency Dues Cancellation Form (SF-1188) and ensure you are removed from payroll deductions. This form is automatically generated during your E-Dues sign-up process and provided to your Local via their MyLocal membership portal. Your E-Dues will take effect once your Local leadership removes you from payroll deductions. This is to prevent double-billing.
Q: If I submit my 1188 then sign up for E-Dues, won’t I be double-billed?
A: You may, depending on how quickly your agency processes your Form 1188. Immediately after you enroll in E-Dues electronic payments, an option to select a future first E-Dues payment date will be offered. Your Local will guide you to an appropriate date, if your Agency is taking significantly longer than average to process dues forms.
We apologize in advance for any overlap created by the agency. We will refund you of any proven overlap. If you encounter double dues, please contact us at EDues@afge.org.
Q: I’m not comfortable downloading my financial information to your phone/tablet/computer.
A: The whole join process is web-based, meaning no financial information is stored by AFGE on any device. The moment you click “Join” your information goes to a 3rd party payment processor that handles the actual withdrawal of dues. The processor manages $20 billion each year in charges and serves more than 100,000 business in the U.S. It’s data security rating is at the highest level of PCI compliance, meaning you can rest assured your data is stored in the digital equivalent of Fort Knox.
Q: I am departing government service, changing agencies, am transferring to a bargaining unit or position where AFGE membership is not permitted, or do not wish to renew on annual anniversary date. How do I request cancellation of my AFGE Membership?
A: If you pay membership dues through AFGE E-Dues, fill out the cancellation request form at www.afge.org/Cancel or contact your AFGE Local union office.
If you pay membership dues through agency payroll deduction, please contact your AFGE Local union office.
AFGE E-Dues:
A Brief Introduction
Q: What Is AFGE E-Dues?
Previous administrations have tried to undermine our union by attacking our finances. In response, AFGE used the latest technology to create a dues collection system totally independent of the agencies whose workers we represent. Now, government employees can easily sign up to become a member of AFGE online using the AFGE E-Dues system.
How to Sign Up Using AFGE E-Dues
Get Started Today
Once your local joins E-Dues, existing members and new members can sign up as members at join.afge.org from any device – phone, tablet, computer – using a credit card, debit card, or bank draft. The signup process takes just minutes, and they’re done. Synchronization with MyLocal means you can access your membership data just like you always have – no need to learn a new system.
Access these videos today to help your members get started with E-Dues.
For locals looking to guide members through the E-Dues sign-up process when staff are not available, we’ve got you covered! A simple and easy playthrough video is now available, walking you through the entire form step by step. This resource makes the already straightforward process even easier, ensuring members can sign up with confidence and ease.
The E-Dues signup process takes just minutes.
Synchronization with MyLocal means you can access your membership data just like you always have – no need to learn a new system.
1
STEP ONE
Select Agency
2
STEP TWO
Local Number
3
STEP THREE
Retiree Status
If you have an AFGE.org account you can use the Express Sign-Up to speed up the process.
Watch the video on how to join E-Dues
Ask a Question
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