Have you heard about the GM Family Legacy Program but weren’t sure if you qualified? Many people are unaware that they might be eligible for the valuable GM employee discount, even after a GM retiree parent has passed away. This isn’t an advertisement, but a helpful guide based on real experience navigating the GM Family Legacy Program. If your parent was a GM retiree, and you thought the employee discount benefits ended with them, you might be in for a pleasant surprise, potentially saving you thousands on your next Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle. This guide will walk you through the process of accessing the Gm Family Discount, especially beneficial for those looking to purchase popular models like the Chevy Camaro or any other new GM vehicle.
Who is Eligible for the GM Family Discount?
The GM Family Legacy Program extends the GM employee discount to specific individuals connected to deceased GM retirees. You may be eligible for the GM family discount under these conditions:
- Children of deceased surviving spouses who were receiving GM pension benefits. This applies if your surviving parent was receiving pension benefits from GM after the GM retiree’s death.
- Children of deceased GM retirees without surviving spouses. If your GM retiree parent passed away and did not have a surviving spouse, you may also qualify.
Many people, like myself, are unaware of this program. Even though my mother passed away in 2001 and my father, a GM retiree, passed in 2013, I recently discovered and successfully applied for this program. While I have access to GM Supplier Pricing through my current employer, the Family Legacy Program offers the deeper GM Employee Discount, making it a significantly better benefit.
How to Apply for the GM Family Discount
The application process for the GM Family Legacy Program involves a few steps, primarily conducted over the phone and fax. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you navigate it smoothly:
Step 1: Call the GM Family First Number
Your first step is to contact the GM Family First program by phone. Call 1-313-667-7372.
Step 2: Leave Your Information for a Callback
When you call, you will reach an answering machine. Leave a message with your contact information and the reason for your call – that you are inquiring about the Family Legacy Program and potential eligibility for the GM family discount. Unfortunately, there’s no way to speak to a live person immediately, as they operate through a callback system.
Step 3: Await Their Callback
The GM Family First team will return your call, but there’s no set timeframe, and it may take a few days. Be patient and avoid calling back repeatedly. They explicitly request that you only call once, as they will call you back. Playing phone tag is common, so be prepared for a few back-and-forths before you connect properly.
Step 4: Initial Information Verification
During their first callback, they will ask for key information to verify your parent’s GM retiree status. Be ready to provide:
- Name of your deceased GM parent
- Date of birth of your deceased GM parent
- Date of death of your deceased GM parent
- Social Security number of your deceased GM parent
After collecting this information, they will inform you that they need to check their records and will call you back with an eligibility determination, typically within a few business days.
Step 5: Eligibility Confirmation and Document Request
In the second callback, they will inform you whether you are eligible for the GM family discount through the Family Legacy Program. If you are eligible, they will explain the program benefits and request you to fax them copies of specific documents to 1-313-221-9636. The required documents are:
- a. Birth Certificate: This must clearly show the name of your GM retiree parent to establish the parent-child relationship.
- b. Driver’s License: Submit a copy of your driver’s license. Ensure the copy is clear and legible, preferably enlarged slightly from the original size for better readability when faxed.
Step 6: Fax Cover Sheet Details
When you fax the documents, include a cover sheet with the following information:
- a. Your Name
- b. Your Date of Birth
- c. Your Email Address
- d. Your Contact Phone Number
- e. Your Mailing Address
- f. Name of the Deceased GM Retiree
- g. Deceased Retiree’s Date of Death
Accessing Your GM Family Discount Online
Once GM Family First verifies the information you faxed, they will send you an email with instructions on how to set up your online account at GMfamilyfirst.com. This account will provide you with the necessary ID and password to access the GM employee discount program online.
With your GMfamilyfirst.com account activated, you can now explore and utilize the GM employee discount when purchasing eligible new GM vehicles. This discount can lead to significant savings, making your dream of owning a new Camaro, truck, or SUV more attainable.
Conclusion
Navigating the GM Family Legacy Program to access the GM family discount might take a little time and patience, particularly with the callback system and faxing documents. However, the potential savings on a new GM vehicle are well worth the effort. If you believe you are eligible based on your parent’s GM retiree status, take the first step and call GM Family First. You might be pleasantly surprised to unlock substantial savings and drive away in your desired GM vehicle with the valuable GM employee discount. Good luck!
