Is Navy Federal offering any financial assistance at this time?

Yes, we’re offering several options to assist eligible members who may need help.

Eligible members have access to loan extensions, deferred payments, credit card line increases, student loan forbearance through LendKey, overdraft protection, fee-free transfers and penalty-free certificate withdrawals.

Whether or not you’re eligible for any of the above options, our personal financial counseling team is available to all members who need help.

How can I access the relief offerings?

We're available to assist you 24/7.

Are new members eligible for these offerings?

Yes, new members are eligible.

What can I do if I need to change or cancel travel plans because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

The fastest way to find out if you can make a change without penalty is to check with your travel merchant (e.g., airline, hotel, car rental agency). Many already have processes in place. Check their websites for policies and explanations on changing or canceling services, as well as general contact information should you need further help.

If you're unable to resolve the issue with the merchant, our dedicated dispute resolution team may be able to help. You can file a dispute claim by calling us at 1-888-842-6328. For credit cards, you can submit the credit card dispute form online. It may take up to 90 days from the date your credit card dispute is submitted to complete our review. Debit card disputes will report the results of the dispute resolution process to you within 120 days.

How can I enroll in Optional Overdraft Protection Service (OOPS)?

  • Sign in to online banking.
  • Click the "Account Services" tab.
  • Find the "Checking & Savings" section.
  • Click "Optional Overdraft Protection Service".

If I want to withdraw funds from my certificates early, will I still need to pay a penalty?

There may be circumstances where the penalty may be waived. Please contact us to discuss your options.

What's the best way to send money to family and friends?

Choose the best fee-free option to send money to friends and family who may need it.

  • Use our app for member-to-member or Zelle® transfers.
  • Send through cash transfers.

MORTGAGE LOAN FORBEARANCE

I can’t afford to make my mortgage payment because of COVID-19. What options are available for me?

If you’re eligible, we can offer a forbearance that temporarily suspends your mortgage payment requirements. Please contact us at our toll-free number 1-800-258-5948, Monday-Friday, 8 am - 9 pm, ET or send us a secured message for additional information regarding the forbearance or to request the forbearance.

If I take advantage of the mortgage forbearance program, how will I repay the missed payments?

That will depend on several factors (e.g., your circumstances, type of loan). We’ll contact you 30 days prior to the expiration of your forbearance plan to discuss your options.

Some possible options include:

  • extending the forbearance period, up to 18 months of total forbearance coverage
  • bringing the account current through a reinstatement
  • entering a repayment plan where the missed payments are spread out over a period of up to 12 months. That means you’d make your regular payment plus the agreed-upon repayment amount each month during the forbearance repayment period.
  • being approved for a workout option such as:
    • a loan modification where the suspended payments are spread over the remaining term of the loan
    • a deferral where the missed payments are paid at the end of the original loan term

What if I need more time than the initial term of the mortgage forbearance?

A forbearance plan offers a temporary suspension of your mortgage payments—in 90-day increments. This payment suspension will be automatically extended for the first 180 days, unless you choose to cancel the plan. After that, you may continue to request 90-day extensions, for up to a total of 18 months of forbearance coverage.

Will my credit be negatively impacted during the payment suspension period (forbearance plan)?

During the payment suspension period of your Forbearance Plan, we’ll report the loan as current, if your loan was current before forbearance started. If your loan was delinquent before entering forbearance, we'll maintain your delinquent status. If you’re able to bring the loan current, we’ll report it as current. We can't advise on any impact to your credit rating.

Will late fees be assessed during the payment suspension period (forbearance plan)?

Late fees will be waived once the plan is completed, even though your loan may still show past due in your NFCU account page online and may show assessment of late fees.

Will interest continue to accrue, or will there be added interest either during the forbearance period or at the completion of the forbearance period?

During the forbearance period, fees, penalties or interest, beyond the amounts scheduled, won’t accrue. The account will be treated as if you made all contractual payments on time and in full under the terms of the mortgage.

If I'm able, can I make a payment(s) during the forbearance period?

Yes, you can make payments during the forbearance period, if you choose to do so. Making payments won't invalidate or alter the scheduled completion date of your forbearance period.

CURRENT MORTGAGE APPLICATION PROCESS

How long can I lock my rate?

The standard lock commitment for Purchase loans is 60 days. We advise consulting with your home loan advisor for more details about available extended lock options.

For Refinance loans, the standard lock commitment is also 60 days; however, due to delays caused by COVID-19, we’ll honor your locked rate no matter long it takes to close your loan.

How long are the expected delays?

Depending on where you live and your loan circumstance, purchasing a new home may take up to 60 days. If you are planning to refinance your home, closing times are estimated to take up to 180 days. Consult with your home loan advisor for more details on your expected closing time.

APPRAISALS & INSPECTIONS

What measures are being taken to safeguard me and my family from appraisers/inspectors who need access to my home?

Industry professionals are expected to follow all CDC guidelines and best practices. They're encouraged to wear personal protective equipment, like masks and gloves. You’re also advised to open all doors in your home to help minimize contact where possible.

Does the appraiser or inspector have to come inside?

In some cases, there may be alternative ways to complete these processes without someone entering the home. Consult with your home loan advisor or third-party service provider to discuss the best option for you.

Why are appraisers and inspectors taking so long to come to my house? Could this impact the interest rate of my mortgage?

Businesses may have reduced hours and/or limited operations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. With mortgage rates at an all-time low, mortgage demand has skyrocketed across the industry, resulting in more work than some businesses can handle. Despite any delays in the process, we'll honor your locked rate.

CLOSING

Will my settlement company remain open during COVID-19?

Similar to appraisal and inspection companies, settlement companies may have reduced hours and/or limited operations.

Will I be able to do my settlement at their office?

Many companies are still doing in-office settlements. Settlement may also take place in an outdoor space instead of an office for your safety. Refer to your settlement agent for further guidance on their current procedures to determine the best option for you.

DOCUMENTATION DELAYS

If I don't use a computer, how can I get my documents to my home loan advisor?

If you don’t use a computer, you may still be able to visit a branch. Please be mindful—some of our branches will have reduced hours and others will be closed. Refer to your home loan advisor for additional guidance.

Can I defer my monthly auto loan payment?

Please contact us to discuss payment options that best meet your financial needs.

I recently was preapproved for an auto loan, but it’s supposed to expire in 60 days. Am I able to get an extension on my preapproval loan?

We will honor the auto loan preapproval for up to 90 days. Please give us a call if you need further assistance.

Will late fees be waived for my auto loan payment?

Please contact us to discuss the options available for your auto loan payments.

How do I apply for an auto loan?

After signing in to your account via online banking or the mobile app, you can apply for your auto loan in just a few minutes. There's no fee to apply and most decisions are instant. In cases where applications require a more detailed review, we'll send you an email and/or a text.* You can also apply over the phone at 1-888-842-6328.

Once my loan is approved, how do I receive my check?

You can receive your check via the following options:

  • mailed to the address you provided (fee may apply depending on delivery type)
  • picked up in a branch

Visit our Branches and ATMs page for more information on branch closures or reduced hours.

For auto loan approvals, if the co-applicant’s address is different from the primary applicant’s address, the loan check and promissory note are sent to the co-applicant first.

During the pandemic, if I want to register my vehicle, record a lien or make other DMV transactions, will I be able to visit my Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person?

All DMVs offer online transactions and processing by mail, but many are conducting in-office transactions by appointment only. Check with your local office to see whether they’re open for full service or if they have reduced hours/limited operations.

I’ve heard there are delays in receiving a vehicle title. How long are the expected delays?

Depending on your state’s title requirements and your individual circumstances, it could take 60 days or longer before you receive your title. Check with your local DMV for more details.

Does Navy Federal offer private or federal student loans?

We only offer private student loans. However, we do offer refinancing and consolidation options to your existing private, federal and Parent PLUS loans.

If you have federal student loan debt, we recommend reviewing your current and potential future benefits and also carefully considering your options before refinancing.

Is now a good time to refinance student loans?

If you’re looking to save on your monthly payments, now may be a great time to refinance your private student loans. For federally held student loans, now may not be the right time. We recommend reviewing your current benefits. The federal government has suspended eligible federal student loan payments and interest at least through Sept. 30, 2021—retroactive to March 13. If you refinance, you waive any current and potential future benefits of your federal loans and replace those with the benefits of the refinanced loan.

Will interest on Navy Federal private student loans be waived?

No, the CARES Act provisions only apply to federal student loans.

Can you help answer questions about waiving interest on my federal student loan?

We encourage you to reach out to your federal loan servicer to discuss waiving interest on your federal student loan.

Can you help me answer more questions about my student loan?

Contact the Student Loan Center at 1-877-304-9302 from 8 am to 8 pm, ET, Monday through Friday.

Is Navy Federal offering relief options for business owners impacted by COVID-19?

Yes. You can apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through us if you have a Navy Federal business membership. You’ll need to include the business member access number you received when your membership was approved.

What are the eligibility requirements to receive a PPP loan through Navy Federal?

For detailed information on eligibility requirements, visit our Business Solutions COVID-19 Response page. 

How will I know if my application has been approved?

You can check your application’s status in our online portal. Sign in using this link, and you’ll see your Loan Tracker and To Do list. Make sure you use your personal Navy Federal sign in credentials.

I received a PPP loan from Navy Federal. Where can I find information about loan forgiveness?

Visit our Business Solutions COVID-19 Response page for a general overview of requirements, allowable expenses, when you can apply and factors that could affect your forgiveness.

Will I qualify for a COVID-19 stimulus payment under the new legislation?

The federal government has indicated that they'll use the most recently reported income it has on file to determine eligibility for the next round of stimulus payments. Highlights of some of the eligibility requirements follow. For more specific details on eligibility, refer to the IRS website. 

Adults who earned $75,000 or less and married couples with adjusted gross incomes of less than $150,000 will be eligible for stimulus payouts. Eligible retirees, recipients of Social Security, Railroad Retirement income, disability or veterans benefits are also eligible, as are those who have too little income to file a tax return. Certain adult dependents (e.g., college students, disabled adults) may also be eligible as well as mixed status families whose members include those with different citizenship or immigration status.

Please note: Navy Federal isn't responsible for determining eligibility. 

How much is the latest COVID-19 stimulus payment?

The IRS will calculate payment amounts based on your most recently reported income. The following are general guidelines. For more details on payment amounts, refer to the IRS website.  

  • Adults who earned $75,000 or less and heads of household who earned $112,500 or less in their most recent tax year will receive the full $1,400.
  • Married couples with adjusted gross incomes of less than $150,000 will receive $2,800 in direct relief plus $1,400 per child under the age of 17. Mixed-immigration-status families, whose members include people with different citizenship or immigration statuses, will be eligible for payments based on IRS criteria. 

Please note: Those making more than the above amounts may qualify for a reduced payment in certain circumstances. Please refer to the IRS website for more information.

If I received a stimulus payment previously, will I again? 

Receiving a previous stimulus payment isn’t a guarantee you’ll receive one this round as qualifications may be different than in earlier rounds. For updates and more information, refer to the IRS website.

Do I need to apply for the new COVID-19 stimulus payment?

  • Taxpayers who filed their 2019 or 2020 federal tax returns don't have to apply.
  • For Social Security and Railroad Retirement recipients who aren't required to file a tax return, the IRS will use the information on their SSA-1099 or RRB-1099 to calculate their payments. They’ll use the payment method normally used to distribute benefits.
  • Other individuals, such as low-income workers and certain veterans and individuals with disabilities who aren't required to file a tax return, are still eligible for Economic Impact Payments and can provide their income information to the IRS using a Non-Filer Payment Info application.

How will I receive my COVID-19 stimulus payment?

If you’re eligible, the IRS will use the financial institution and bank account information you provided on your most recent tax return to deposit the funds electronically. For Social Security and Railroad Retirement recipients, the IRS will use direct deposit as explained above. If you didn’t provide direct deposit information, they’ll mail you a paper check or prepaid debit card to the address listed on the last tax return you filed. 

Please note: If you've already received a payment from a previous round of stimulus checks and are eligible for this round, the IRS will deliver the new payment the same way.

When will I receive my COVID-19 stimulus payment?

At this time, stimulus payments may appear as "pending" in your account until they're scheduled to be available—as early as March 17. Please note: because Navy Federal isn't involved in sending the payments, we can't confirm exactly when individual members may receive a deposit. You can also check the IRS website for updates.

We suggest you set up deposit alert notifications in our mobile app* or online banking, so you'll know when your payment is posted. You can choose how you want us to notify you (e.g., email, push notification, text message).

What does it mean if my stimulus deposit shows as "pending"?

If we’ve received notice that your stimulus payment will arrive on a specific date, your account will show a “pending” deposit. Once we actually receive the funds, you’ll see a deposit posted and have full access to the money.

My bank account information has changed or was incorrect. Can I update it? 

No, as the IRS doesn't allow people to change direct deposit information already on file with them to help protect against potential fraud. The IRS’ Get My Payment page may have more information.

Will I need to file a tax return if I receive Social Security benefits?

No. Social Security and Railroad Retirement recipients who aren't typically required to file a tax return don't need to take action.

How can I deposit my COVID-19 stimulus check?

You can deposit your check using the Mobile Deposit feature from our mobile app* or by visiting any ATM location. Check for information about branch closures or reduced hours and ATM locations in your area.

Will I have to pay back my COVID-19 stimulus check?

No.

Will I have full access to my stimulus payment if my account is overdrawn?

Members with overdrawn accounts will be issued a temporary credit, bringing their negative balance to $0.00, if their accounts meet certain conditions. Members who receive a temporary credit will receive it within 1 business day of receiving their stimulus payment. After 62 days , the temporary credit will be reversed. Members will receive an email notification before the temporary credit is reversed. 

Will accounts that receive a temporary credit revert back to a negative balance after the credit is removed?

In some cases, yes, this may happen. The full amount of the temporary credit will be removed after 62 days, regardless of the current account balance. If the balance in the account at the time the temporary credit is removed is less than the total amount of the temporary credit, the account may revert to a negative state. 

If your account credit has been reversed and you’re concerned about your balance, we have resources that may help. 

If I haven’t received my stimulus payment yet, what can I do?

If you haven’t received your stimulus payment, you can check your status on the IRS’ Get My Payment page. 

The IRS has previously indicated that stimulus payments will be sent in 1 of 3 ways:

  • Direct deposit in the account provided by the taxpayer on their 2019 tax return
  • Paper checks mailed to the address listed on the 2019 or 2020 tax return
  • Government-issued debit card mailed to the address listed on the 2019 or 2020 tax return

Paper checks and debit cards will likely take longer to receive.

Note:  In 2019, some tax preparers set up an account for their clients’ refunds, deducted their fees and sent the remainder to the client. If you used this type of service, your stimulus payment may have been sent to that account. Contact your tax preparer if you think this may apply to you.

Why is my stimulus deposit less than the amount I'm entitled to?

As explained above, if you used a tax preparation service, it's possible they may have deducted a fee from your stimulus payment before they deposited it to Navy Federal. Since we didn't charge this fee, we suggest contacting your tax preparer.

Will receiving my stimulus check/deposit differ if I use a tax preparation service?

It's possible they may deduct a fee for processing your payment. In addition, some tax preparation services like H&R Block® and TurboTax® have reported issues with stimulus payments being sent to incorrect bank accounts. Your tax preparer can provide more information.

Where can I use my stimulus payment if I receive it on a prepaid debit card?

Those who receive a prepaid debit card can make purchases anywhere Visa® Debit Cards are accepted (in stores or online), get cash from domestic in-network ATMs, transfer funds to a personal bank account, or obtain a replacement card if needed. Navy Federal is unable to track these cards or tell you when you may receive one. Please refer to the latest press release from the IRS for more information.

Could I receive my stimulus deposit this time in the form of a prepaid debit card instead of a paper check?

In order to quickly disburse stimulus payments, some people who received them by paper check previously may receive a prepaid debit card this time, and some people who received a prepaid debit card previously may now receive a paper check. Again, Navy Federal is unable to track these cards or checks, or tell you when you may receive one. Please refer to the latest press release from the IRS for more information.

What is the Payroll Tax Deferral?

The Payroll Tax Deferral is an executive order from President Trump allowing employers to defer withholding the payroll tax from Sept. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020, for employees who make less than $4,000 every 2 weeks—or $104,000 a year. Military members and federal employees whose monthly basic pay is less than $8,666.66 will have their Payroll Taxes deferred during this time period.

What is a Payroll Tax?

The payroll tax funds Social Security and Medicare. Employers and employees each pay 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare, and the highest earners are taxed an additional 0.9%. The Payroll Tax Deferral applies only to the 6.2% Social Security portion.

How will the Payroll Tax be repaid?

For civilian employees, deferred taxes will be collected between the pay periods ending Jan. 16 through Dec. 4, 2021, according to Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). For Active Duty military members, deferred payroll taxes will be collected from their mid-month and end-month paychecks between Jan. 1 and Dec. 30, 2021. For more information, visit the DFAS Social Security Payroll Tax Deferral page. 

How does this impact servicemembers?

Payroll taxes will be deferred for all Active Duty servicemembers and federal civilian employees whose monthly basic pay is less than $8,666.66, beginning with the second paycheck of September and ending with the last paycheck of 2020. To determine eligibility for the payroll tax deferral, employees should check their leave and earnings statements (LES). Those whom the deferral applies to will be responsible for repayment in 2021.

Is this optional?

No. This is not optional for federal civilian or military employees if their monthly basic pay is less than $8,666.66.

Can I sign up to have my payroll taxes deferred?

Not necessarily. Private employers are not required to offer the deferral. For more information, talk to your human resources or payroll departments and refer to the IRS website.

How can I prepare to repay the Payroll Tax in 2021?

Each pay period, you may want to consider saving the Payroll Tax amount that would normally be deducted from your paycheck. A Navy Federal savings account is a good place to set aside this money for safekeeping and higher dividend rates, and there are many options to choose from. You can set up a recurring transfer to automatically move these funds to the savings account of your choice.