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COVID-19 Resource Center

COVID-19 Resource Center

Last Updated: Dec 30, 2020 at 2 PM

We’re Here to Help You

The COVID-19 coronavirus is an ongoing force in our community, affecting our lives and livelihoods. You can count on us to serve your financial needs with care and compassion.

We’re open for business while putting your health and safety first. We are tracking the best information available from government sources and others to make operational decisions that promote your wellbeing and that of our employees. We will get through this together.

Se habla español. Favor de llamar al (800) 252-8311 para dudas y preguntas. Nuestros representantes están a su disposición para ayudarle.

Access Your Accounts Anywhere, Anytime

  • Have you noticed an increase in wait times for phone and drive-thru services? There is high demand for these services as lobby visits remain limited, and we appreciate your patience.

    You can complete many transactions without the wait by accessing your accounts through your computer or mobile device. Find how-to steps through these links: Online Banking, Mobile Banking, and automated Phone Banking.

    Use our Quick Service Guide to get up-to-date details about locations and services. Or take advantage of our fee-free ATM network.

Get Financial Help for Yourself or Your Business

  • Here is how we are serving our Members whose daily lives have been affected by COVID-19:

    • Member Relief Loans — Low-interest, Member relief loans for current Members are available with no payment for up to 90 days. Call us to find out if you qualify at (512) 498-2277.

    • Mortgage Payment Assistance — Members may qualify for assistance with existing UFCU mortgage payments. Call us about your mortgage payment situation at (800) 240-4214, or email lossmit@midwestloanservices.com.

    If your business is among the many that are facing financial difficulties, we’re here to help. Members who need assistance with their business accounts can call (800) 252-8311, and select option 5 then option 1. We’ll help you navigate options that we’re offering right now, as well as other resources that may be available for your business.

    • Skip Your Loan Payments — If you have a business and need help with your loan payments, please call us at (800) 252-8311, and select Option 5 then Option 1.

    • Austin Chamber of Commerce — The Austin Chamber of Commerce has provided a list of COVID-19 related resources for businesses.

    • Texas Workforce Commission — Texas Workforce Commission is updating its website with information for employers in response to COVID-19.

    • US Chamber of Commerce — The US Chamber of Commerce has a list of resources for small businesses.

    • SBA Paycheck Protection Loans — The new COVID-19 Relief bill was signed into law on December 27, 2020. This law revives the PPP small business loan program that was introduced earlier this year. UFCU will participate in Round two of the PPP program. Get more details about UFCU’s PPP.

     

In-Person Services

  • Our lobbies are open to Member business that can only be accomplished in person. We appreciate your patience during this time. We recognize that some financial needs require an in-person meeting or a drive-thru teller.

    A complete listing of services at each UFCU location can be found in the Quick Service Guide. Check this guide before you visit a lobby or drive-thru to confirm you can get the service you need. In general:


    • Limited in-person appointments are available at select locations. To make an appointment, please call (800) 252-8311. All Members must wear a face covering when entering a UFCU facility. If you do not have your own mask, we will be happy to provide one for you. We ask that you refrain from visiting a lobby if you feel unwell.

    • Drive-thru locations remain open for most teller services, including instantly issued debit cards. See the Quick Service Guide for more information.

Economic Impact Payments (AKA Stimulus Payments)

  • The new COVID-19 Relief bill was signed into law on December 27, 2020. The US Treasury has delivered the first payment to the Federal Reserve and many Americans will start receiving economic impact payments as early as December 30, 2020. Federal stimulus payments will arrive to recipients on a rolling basis.

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams

  • Unfortunately, swindlers are taking advantage of circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please be wary of unfamiliar products or services, especially any that attempt to take your personal information. They might request donations, offer advice, or even solicit unproven treatments.

    If you think you have fallen victim to a scam or might have given your personal, payment, or account information to a bad actor, please call Member Services at (800) 252-8311. We’re here to help.

    Follow these guidelines to keep your accounts secure:

    • Check your accounts online every day for unauthorized activity.
    • Set up alerts to receive a text or email whenever there is activity in your account or on your card.
    • Contact your financial institution immediately to report any unauthorized activity.
    • Never respond to unsolicited requests for your credit or debit card number. When in doubt, call the number on the back of your card.
    • Avoid clicking links in emails from sources you do not know. Learn the warning signs to recognize imposters who send emails pretending to be a familiar business.
    • Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is up-to-date.
    • Research before donating to charitable donations. It is best to rely on known organizations. Do not be rushed into a donation, and do not make a donation in cash.
    • Be aware of fraudulent “investment opportunities.” The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned of promotions via online and social media platforms that claim the products or services of publicly-traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure the coronavirus and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These claims are untrue.
    • Avoid taking calls from unknown individuals or companies claiming to offer treatments or work-at-home opportunities. Do not press any keys or listen to robocalls. Simply hang up.

When Crisis Affects Your Finances

Call Us with Questions

  • Call Member Services at (800) 252-8311. Please know that demand is high right now, and call wait times might be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

    We take this opportunity to remind you that many tasks can be done on your computer or mobile device. See the Quick Service Guide and these links for information about our Online Banking, Mobile Banking, and Mobile Deposit.

Become a UFCU Member

  • At UFCU, we strongly believe in fair and honest products and outstanding Member service. We credit these values with making us Austin’s largest locally owned financial institution, also serving Galveston County. We focus on people, not profits. And during this crisis, our commitment to our Members is stronger than ever.

    Become a UFCU Member Today

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit checks without going to a drive-thru?

  • Yes. UFCU offers the Mobile Banking app, which lets you make secure mobile deposits, transfer funds, view your account balances and recent activity, and more. Check out our library of video tutorials, or visit our Mobile Banking page.

Do I qualify for special relief because of COVID-19?

  • Yes, depending on your situation. We are offering low-interest, Member Relief loans for existing Members. If you qualify, there will be no payment for up to 90 days. Please call (512) 498-2277 to share your situation and see how we can help.

May I skip my loan payments?

  • Yes, depending on your situation. Members affected by COVID-19 may be able to skip payments on existing consumer loans and credit cards. Please call (800) 252-8311 to share your story and see how we can help.

What if I cannot pay my mortgage?

  • We are working with Members affected by COVID-19 who need assistance with their existing UFCU mortgage payments. Please call (800) 240-4214 to share your situation and see how we can help.

Is our money safe at UFCU?

  • Yes. Your deposits with UFCU are federally insured by the NCUA for up to $250,000 per Member. Learn More

What types of transactions can I complete in the drive-thru?

  • The following transactions can be completed at select locations: Deposits, withdrawals, transfer of funds within UFCU accounts, loan payments, getting a new debit card, balance inquiries, and account history. Our Quick Service Guide covers the most up-to-date details about locations and services, so you can quickly discover where and how to get your financial errands done.

How long will lobbies be by appointment only?

  • We are not certain. We will continue to monitor the situation, considering guidance from the CDC and public health officials, and will open when it is safe to do so. Please call us at (800) 252-8311 to schedule an appointment.

Is there a limit on coin orders?

  • Due to a nationwide disruption of coin circulation, the Federal Reserve has temporarily placed limits on coin availability. There is a limit of one roll of quarters per Member per day.

Community Resources

We have compiled trusted online resources, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies that offer support and important information.

General Assistance

  • Aunt Bertha is a social care network that connects people and programs — making it easy for people to find social services in their communities. Simply type in your ZIP code to find resources in your area.

    2-1-1 Texas, a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, helps Texas citizens connect with the services they need. 2-1-1 Texas, or (877) 541-7905, is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

    ConnectATX.org, a program of the United Way for Greater Austin, helps connect residents to resources in the community. It is available in several languages.

    Galveston County Daily News has a list of resources of all kinds for residents of the Galveston area.

Food, Necessities, and Personal Protective Equipment

  • Central Texas Food Bank has created an online map and search tool to locate access to groceries, hot meals, and meals for children.

    Help-At-Home Kits. CapMetro’s MetroAccess clients can request free delivery to their doorstep of a Help-At-Home kit that includes shelf stable items such as vegetables, fruits, beans, soup, tuna, and peanut butter.

    Foodpantries.org provides a searchable list of Galveston-area food pantries along with information about subsidized groceries.

    Central Texas families needing child or adult diapers can find a list of distribution sites at Austin Diaper Bank. This organization’s site also lists many other helpful resources. In Galveston, you can contact the Galveston Diaper Bank to learn more about where to get diapers.

    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution offers free hand sanitizer, masks, and informational materials. For a list of PPE distribution locations and dates in Austin, visit austintexas.gov/ppe.

Healthcare and Pharmacy

  • Central Health in Travis County has established a special COVID-19 page with information about symptoms, what to do, and access to care for under- and uninsured individuals.

    City of Austin has posted a list of telehealth services with major providers including Ascension, Baylor Scott & White, MDLive and others.

    Galveston County Health District has issued guidance and resources for COVID-19 management.

    UTMB is providing daily updates about COVID-19, along with information for the general public about steps to take if someone feels sick.

    Major pharmacies have set up a variety of services related to COVID-19 including some free home delivery, special hours for seniors, and online chat with pharmacists that can answer questions. Their dedicated pages for COVID-19 resources are here:

Higher Education

Housing: Homeowners and Renters

  • Texas Apartment Association has established a resource page for renters statewide and their rights and protections during the COVID-19 outbreak.

    Eviction Resources are available to assist residents with legal assistance, emergency grants for rent or utilities, alternate housing, short-term motel vouchers, or placement in a local shelter.

    Austin Tenants Council provides counseling related to the eviction process, tenant-landlord issues, disputes, and fair housing issues.

    The following information is through the City of Austin and includes local, state, and federal resources.

    The Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD) Department offers information and referrals to assist impacted community members with immediate housing needs including resources for homeowners and resources for renters.

    Avoiding Mortgage Foreclosure website provides information about refinancing or modifying mortgage loans, lowering payments, or other solutions to avoid foreclosure.

    Rental Payment Assistance website provides resources to help pay rent and utilities.

School Districts

Local Support for Small Businesses

Texas Workforce Commission

Utility Services

  • The City of Austin has taken steps to ensure its customers have uninterrupted access to utility services. Immediate assistance is available to its customers. Austin Energy, which manages customer care and billing for all City of Austin utilities, also offers several programs that help customers stay on track with their utility bills:

    • Deferred payment plan: This will ensure the customer receives uninterrupted utility services as they work with utility representatives to develop a long-term plan that meets their financial needs.
    • Customer Assistance Programs: Limited income customers and medically vulnerable customers may receive assistance for immediate and lasting utility-bill relief.

    Both City of Austin Utilities Payment Centers are closed as of March 18. Click here to learn more about other ways customers can pay their utility bill.

    Residential and commercial utility customers can contact the Customer Care Contact Center at (512) 494-9400, apply at austinbillhelp.com, or email customercare@coautilities.com with any questions. Options include emergency assistance, special payment arrangements, and discounts according to income guidelines..

Se habla español. Favor de llamar al (800) 252-8311 para dudas y preguntas. Nuestros representantes están a su disposición para ayudarle.


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