Financial Tools

Member Relief Center

We’re Here to Help You

Severe weather in Texas has created a difficult situation for many communities across Texas. If you were affected, you are not alone. We offer important information in the 2021 Winter Storm Relief and General Relief Resources sections below.

Compounding the challenge, 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. If you can benefit from pandemic-related information or opportunities, please see the Covid-19 Relief and General Relief Resources sections below.

Regardless of what you might be struggling with, UFCU is offering current Members low-interest, Member relief loans. Apply online, or call (512) 498-2277 to find out if you qualify.

We are tracking the best information available from government sources and others to make operational decisions that promote your well-being 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.

2021 Winter Storm Relief

Get Financial Help for Yourself

  • If your financial well-being has been affected by the 2021 Winter Storm, consider these opportunities:

    • UFCU is offering current Members low-interest Member relief loans. 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. Contact us about your mortgage-payment situation at (800) 240-4214 or lossmit@midwestloanservices.com.

Get Financial Help for Your Business

  • If your business is facing financial difficulties in the wake of the storm, 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.

    • SBA Disaster Assistance Loans — The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions that are affected by declared disasters. Find out loan details (PDF) and whether you are eligible. Apply online today.

    • UFCU is offering current Members low-interest Member relief loans. 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. Contact us about your mortgage payment situation at (800) 240-4214 or lossmit@midwestloanservices.com.

Storm-Related Community Resources

  • Please consider these resources if you have been affected by severe weather in Texas:

    • For information about state and federal assistance, visit Texas Division of Emergency Management.

    • For information on road conditions, visit Drive Texas.

    • For general assistance, food access, and other non-emergency needs, call 2-1-1.

    • In case of a health emergency, please call 9-1-1.

    COMMUNITY RESOURCES – TRAVIS/HAYS/WILLIAMSON COUNTIES

    • The City of Austin’s shelter hotline is (512) 305-4233.

    • If a water line breaks and you are unable to shut off the water, call Austin Water’s 24-Hour emergency hotline at (512) 972-1000, option 1.

    COMMUNITY RESOURCES – GALVESTON COUNTY

    The City of Galveston’s municipal utilities department is continuing to assist turning off water at vacant properties. If your property is vacant or if you have had a pipe burst and needs the water turned off, please contact (409) 797-3971 for assistance.

File an Insurance Claim

  • If you have been affected by the recent weather event, we are here to help. UFCU Insurance Services™ is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM. If you need assistance, please call (512) 421-8100. In the case of high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call as quickly as possible.

Safety First In Case of Water Damage

  • After the cold temperatures passed, many Members experienced water damage in their home or property. At UFCU Insurance Services, we are assisting Members with losses from broken pipes. For your safety, please be aware of these facts and best practices:

    • If pipes burst in your attic, there is a possibility of water leaking into light fixtures in your ceilings and walls. This is dangerous when your power is on. Do not rely on your breaker panel to trip—take these actions immediately for your safety:
      • Turn off the power to your home. You can usually do this at your breaker box. (Some homes have more than one breaker box.)

      • Turn off the water to your home. The shut-off valve is typically underground in your front yard. The valve may be difficult to move, and you might need a tool to close it properly.
    • Even when you remove all the water from your home, moisture can remain in electrical lines. For your safety, do not make an uninformed decision to turn your power back on. Have an electrician inspect your property to make sure it’s safe.

    • Call your insurance company and file a claim. Learn more about filing a weather-related claim.

    • Take photographs and videos of the damage and make a list of damaged items. You may be tempted to discard items that have been ruined, but do not throw them away. Keep them in a safe place in case the insurance company requests them.

    • Many people across Texas will need specialists for clean-up and repairs. There may be a significant wait to get professional help. Try to sweep or move as much water as possible out of your home.

    • Proceed as soon as you can with obtaining services from a water mitigation company, if you need it.

    • If you need to remove insulation, flooring, or drywall, save it rather than disposing of it. Your insurance adjuster may want to examine the damaged materials.

    • Save any and all receipts for examination by your adjuster.

    We are here to assist you as you work to recover. Please contact UFCU Insurance Services at (512) 421-8100. We are available Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM. In case of high call volume, please leave a message for us, and we will return your call as quickly as possible.

    Consider these additional tips for filing a weather-related insurance claim.

COVID-19 Relief

As we work together to come out of this pandemic, we stay committed to the welfare of every Texan and UFCU Member. UFCU will continue to require face coverings inside our financial centers. Read More

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.

     

Economic Impact Payments (AKA Stimulus Payments)

  • Additional stimulus payments for Americans have been initiated through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. If you are eligible for this round of stimulus payments, UFCU will deposit 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

COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling and Waitlist

General Relief Resources

Access Your Accounts Anywhere, Anytime

In-Person Services

  • 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.

When Crisis Affects Your Finances

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


    • 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 and will open lobbies 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.


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.

Community Resources

We have compiled trusted online resources, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies that offer support and important information. Please take advantage of these services if you need them.

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

Local Support for Small Businesses

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.

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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