One of the best parts of working for a credit union is all the ways we step forward to assist members during challenging times. It embodies the credit union mission of people helping people.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the Sacramento region in spring 2020, SAFE Credit Union has offered a variety of solutions to our members to help them bridge financial gaps due to the economic impact of the pandemic. Recently, we extended these same services to our members affected by wildfires. We’ve made it easy for you to apply and sign up for many of our options online at safecu.org and in the SAFE Mobile App.
I’d like share with you some of the options available and how our members can take advantage of them.
Do you need immediate funds?
If you need cash right away, SAFE offers no- and low-interest short-term loans to help you address your urgent financial needs. You can apply for loans from $1,200 to $5,000 with flexible repayment terms.1 To further assist you, the first payment is not due for about 60 days.
Do you need help with loan payments?
SAFE offers two ways for our members to skip or set up partial payments for certain loans.
Pandemic Skip-A-Pay: Members facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and wildfires with loan accounts at least six months old can sign up for our Pandemic Skip-A-Pay program that lets you skip two months of payments on your vehicle and certain personal loans, as well as on your SAFE Visa® credit card account. Keep in mind that interest on the accounts continues to accrue, and the time it takes to pay off your fixed-term loan may be extended.
Partial payment option: For those affected by COVID-19 and wildfires, SAFE is offering a new partial payment option for vehicle and most personal loans. If you qualify, the program allows you to make 50% of your monthly payments for 90 days. The rest of the payments due will be added to the back end of the loan. This may extend your loan payoff date.2
Do you need help with your mortgage?
If you’re experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19, you may request to temporarily pause your mortgage payments. This is called forbearance.
Forbearance plans are not payment forgiveness plans. The amount not paid during the forbearance period will still need to be paid. During the forbearance period, we will suspend negative credit reporting and late charge assessments.
Once the forbearance period is over, any paused payments will need to be repaid in one of several ways:
- As a lump sum.
- Through a repayment plan in which an extra amount will be added to your regular mortgage payment to cover the amount you owe from the forbearance.
- Through a loan modification. We will work with you on this option if you are unable to pay the lump sum or through the repayment program.
If you are interested in exploring forbearance to cope with financial challenges due to COVID-19, please contact SAFE’s mortgage servicer to request a mortgage payment deferral.
Call: (800) 701-4115
Email: lossmitinquiry@DMIcorp.com.
Do you need further guidance?
SAFE’s financial education team is now offering complimentary webinars available to members and the general public on topics relevant to today’s situation. You can learn useful insights into handling your personal finances and debt during challenging times. You can also learn how to bring mindfulness to money to ensure that you are spending with a plan. We are regularly adding new courses and times, so check back regularly.
Connect with a SAFE representative. Our member service representatives are ready to help you with your financial needs. You can contact our local call center at (800) SEE-SAFE, chat live with us at safecu.org, and schedule an appointment at one of our branches.
SAFE is your credit union, and you’ll find caring service and solutions that can be tailored for your individual needs.
1 All loans subject to approval.
2 When you apply for the Partial Payment Option, you authorize SAFE to verify the information you provided on your application and to obtain your credit report that may be used to determine your eligibility. You will need to attest that you are applying for this program in response to a COVID-19 or wildfire related financial hardship that has impacted your ability to meet your financial obligations and warrant that the information you’ve provided, including your income, both stated and documented, is true and correct.
