ALEXANDRIA, Va.--On Wednesday morning NCUA confirmed it will remain open throughout the government shutdown, echoing earlier reporting by CUToday.info.
As CUToday.info reported, NCUA is an independent agency of the federal government and its operating budget comes from fees charged to federal credit unions and transfers from the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which allows it operate during a shutdown.
Credit union members’ accounts will continue to be insured by the Share Insurance Fund, NCUA reminded.
NCUA noted the government shutdown could affect credit unions, particularly those with federal employees in their memberships.
"As such," NCUA said, "credit unions should plan to respond to members’ questions and consider other actions," such as:
- Ensuring policies provide flexibility to respond to members’ financial needs
- Preparing for service interruptions if the shutdown affects access to credit union offices located on federal property
- Prudently working with affected members, including providing advances to individuals receiving direct deposits from the federal government
- Developing contingency plans with respect to participation in government programs that may be affected by the federal government shutdown
- Communicating response plans to members, staff and volunteers in a timely manner
"Consistent with safety and soundness, credit unions may want to consider offering special programs to assist impacted members who need short-term loans, create loans with special terms and rates, or offer payment flexibility. Credit unions should review NCUA’s Letter to Credit Unions, 11-CU-05, 'Planning and Preparedness for a Potential Government Shutdown, which provides guidance in the event of a government shutdown," the agency said.
CUToday.info previously reached out to NCUA asking if the agency is shielded from complying with the reduction-in-force plans due to its independent funding. The agency did not respond.