Member Relief Center

Get Financial Help for Yourself or Your Business

• If your life or livelihood has been affected by COVID-19, consider taking advantage of any of these services:

  • Member Relief Loans —UFCU is offering current Members low-interest, Member relief loans with no payment for up to 90 days. Apply online, or call (512) 498-2277 to find out if you qualify.
  
  
  • 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 facing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19, we’re here to help. Members who need assistance with their business accounts can call (512) 493-0531 or (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.

  • US Chamber of Commerce — The US Chamber of Commerce has a list of resources for small businesses.
  
  
  • SBA Paycheck Protection Loans — UFCU was a proud participant in rounds one and two of the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Get more details about UFCU’s PPP.
  
  
  • Restaurant Revitalization Fund — Available directly through SBA, this program provides emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19. Learn more about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

   

Economic Impact Payments (AKA Stimulus Payments)

• Additional stimulus payments for Americans have been initiated through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. If you were eligible for this round of stimulus payments, UFCU deposited this payment beginning Monday, March 15, 2021. Your financial health is our top priority. Your best first step is to reach out to the IRS to determine your past and previous stimulus payments status.

COVID-19-Specific Resources

• As the COVID-19 health crisis continues, here are some community resources that are available to protect or assist you and your family:

  
  
  • Austin Public Health is accepting registrations for current and future COVID-19 vaccines.
  
  
  • 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.
  
  
  • 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.
  
  
  • 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 obtaining a vaccine and 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:
    • Walgreens
    • CVS
  • The colleges and universities that UFCU serves are providing comprehensive information for employees and students regarding COVID-19. You can find their COVID-19 dedicated webpages here:
    • Austin Community College
    • Concordia University
    • Galveston College
    • Huston-Tillotson University
    • St. Edward’s University
    • Texas A&M Galveston
    • Texas A&M Health Science Center
    • Texas State University
    • University of Texas
    • UTMB
  • School districts in areas we serve have established dedicated web pages with information about COVID-19:
    • Austin ISD
    • Bastrop ISD
    • Galveston ISD
    • Georgetown ISD
    • Hays Consolidated ISD
    • Pflugerville ISD
    • Round Rock ISD
    • San Marcos ISD
  • The City of Galveston has created a dedicated web page with resources available at the local, state, and federal level for small business impacted by COVID-19.
  
  
  • Texas Workforce Commission has established a COVID-19 resource page with information for employers, jobseekers, and childcare.

COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling and Waitlist

• Vaccine locations in the Central Texas/Coastal area.

  Find Vaccines Near You

Access Your Accounts Anywhere, Anytime

• • Digital Services — 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. Find how-to steps through these links: Online Banking, Mobile Banking, and automated Phone Banking.
  • Quick Service Guide — Get up-to-date details about locations and services. Or take advantage of our fee-free ATM network.

In-Person Services

• Most UFCU locations are open for walk-in business while observing safety measures. Currently, masks are optional for vaccinated people. While face coverings are not required at UFCU locations, we encourage those not fully vaccinated or at high risk to continue to use face coverings. We ask that you refrain from visiting a lobby if you feel unwell. A complete listing of services at each UFCU location can be found in the Quick Service Guide.

  
  
  • Pre-scheduling of appointments is available at select branches. To make an appointment, please call (800) 252-8311.
    
  
  
  • Drive-thru locations remain open for most teller services, including instantly issued debit cards. See the Quick Service Guide for more information.

When Crisis Affects Your Finances

• Preparing for life’s challenges is difficult under normal circumstances. A global pandemic and economic concerns can make meeting financial objectives more daunting than ever. We’re here to help you make smart financial decisions that help you maintain your financial health during this difficult time.

  Explore the following crisis-related articles, or visit UFCU.org/Learn for more education about how to keep your finances on track.

  • Transferring Funds
  • Should I Skip a Loan Payment?
  • You’ve Lost Your Job. Now What?
  • Understanding Payday Loans and Three Better Options
  • Understanding Risk Tolerance
  • Three Things the IRS Will Never Do
  • How to Protect Yourself When Shopping Online
  • Serve Your Community from Behind the Wheel

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams

• Unfortunately, swindlers are taking advantage of stressful circumstances. Be wary of unfamiliar products or services, especially any that attempt to take your personal information. You might be asked to donate or to purchase services or medical care with organizations that turn out to be fraudulent.

  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 that the stock of certain companies will dramatically increase in value because they have a quick fix to today’s challenges. Check out any new venture before investing.
  
  
  • Avoid taking calls from unknown individuals or companies. Do not answer unfamiliar callers’ questions with the word “Yes”, even if the questions seem harmless. Do not press any keys or listen to robocalls. Simply hang up.
  
  
  • Proceed with caution when responding to work-at-home opportunities.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• • Do I qualify for special relief?

    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 explain your situation and see how we can help.

  
  
  • May I skip my loan payments?

    Yes, depending on your situation. Members 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 who need assistance with their existing UFCU mortgage payments. Please call (800) 240-4214 to share your situation and see how we can help.

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

    Yes. We offer the UFCU 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.

  
  
  • 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

  
  
  • Can I enter a UFCU facility without an appointment?

    Yes, if the location is not on an educational campus or is not temporarily closed. See our Quick Service Guide for more information. Learn about safety precautions required of Members who perform their transactions in person.

  
  
  • 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.

Call Us with Questions

• Call Member Services at (800) 252-8311. Please allow extra time for your call, as wait times are unpredictable. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

General Assistance and Meeting Basic Needs

• 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.

  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.

Housing: Homeowners and Renters

• Texas Apartment Association has established a resource page for renters statewide and their rights and protections.

  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.

Local Support for Small Businesses

• The City of Austin Economic Development Department is offering services for struggling businesses. They include free business coaching, emergency planning resources, and a Family Business Loan Program.

  The City of Galveston has created a dedicated web page with resources available at the local, state, and federal level for small business impacted by COVID-19.

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 to the public. 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.