COVID 19 (Coronavirus) Response

While we continue to monitor the ever-changing environment surrounding COVID-19, we are working to do everything in our power to prevent its spread without creating additional unnecessary hardship for our members.

We continue to encourage all members to take advantage of our digital services, including online and mobile banking. These options are available 24/7 and will offer you great flexibility in managing your accounts from the comfort of your home.

At the bottom of this page is a list of resources to help connect you with various local and national organizations providing assistance to those impacted by the virus.

Important Update on Skokie Community Branch as of April 6, 2020

We are working hard to strike the delicate balance between safeguarding our members and employees while remaining accessible to those who count on us. 

After careful consideration, we are making two temporary changes to our Skokie community branch:

  • Effective Tuesday, April 7, the branch will be available by appointment only. Please read below for more information on making an appointment.
  • Going forward the branch will be closed on Saturdays. 

As a reminder, our Skokie community branch offers locked drop-box banking for those looking to drop off a deposit or loan payment. Instructions, envelopes & pens will be available at the entrance.

Our Chicago community branch located at 2942 W. Peterson Ave will remain open at its current hours of operation. This facility offers drive-up, ATM, and locked drop-box banking for your convenience.

If you need to visit our Skokie community branch, you can request your appointment here or call us at 847.676.8000.

 

Be mindful of Coronavirus Scams

Unfortunately, scammers know how to make the best of an opportunity. Please be mindful that the FTC has identified and continues to identify a number of scams designed to prey on those most vulnerable, namely the sick and elderly.

Read all guidance from the FTC and stay informed. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

If you’re not sure, contact us. We’re here to help however we can.

 

Important Update on Branch Status as of March 20, 2020

To help keep everyone safe during this time we are taking additional steps in our banking centers.

Effective, Monday, March 23 our community branch in Chicago at 2942 W. Peterson Ave will be available by Drive-Up Only. Our staff will be available to assist you with any of your banking needs without making contact.

Our Community Branch in Skokie at 5550 W. Touhy Ave will remain open, however we will be taking additional measures to protect our staff and membership utilizing all available methods to adhere to the guidance provided by the WHO, CDC, and the State of Illinois.

Both our Skokie and Chicago community branches will close for lunch from 12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Our S & C Electric Branch will remain open and available to the employees of S & C Electric while the facility remains open.

Skip-A-Pay Available in Online & Mobile Banking

Did you know you can request to “Skip-A-Pay” on your eligible loan directly through internet or mobile banking?

LEARN MORE ABOUT SKIP-A-PAY AND OTHER HARDSHIP OPTIONS HERE

 

Important Update on Branch Status as of March 16, 2020:

To help keep our members, employees, and communities safe during this time, we are taking the following steps:

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all non-branch staff will begin working remotely. Our staff is fully capable of assisting you while working remotely and we expect to provide the same level of high-quality service you are accustomed to.

Effective Tuesday, March 17 2020, we will temporarily adjust the hours of our branches to accommodate as many remote staff as possible. Our temporary hours are as follows:

Day of Week Open Close
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

If you need to visit the branch, please consider using our Chicago location at 2942 W Peterson Ave. This location offers drive-up banking to help limit contact.

Please note that our locations also offer exterior, locked “Night Depository” options. If you simply need to drop off a payment, deposit or other document, you may do so using the marked receptacles. A member of our team will confirm your transaction when processed.

In Branch offices, we have removed all shared pens, withdrawal and deposit slips, and deployed CDC guidelines for ensuring staff and members are distanced properly while also able to serve their needs. Sanitizers and wipes are available for staff and member use at all locations.

 

Online Resources:

In the case where we need to adjust hours, reduce staff or vacate our facilities, we want to remind you of all the remote options available to you as a member.

FFCU’s online and mobile banking services are available for you 24/7. Through these, you have full access to your account history, to transfer funds between accounts here and at other institutions, to make payments, pay bills and review account documents.

Our members that use mobile banking can skip the trip to the branch by depositing checks using just their phone. It’s always easier and faster to manage your accounts digitally, but even more so given the uncertainty of staff availability.

If you haven’t enrolled in online or mobile access, it only takes a few minutes. Using your member number, you can easily enroll here. 

In Branch Precautions:

In the event you still need to visit a branch, our team is standing by ready to assist you with anything you may need. Please know that we are taking every possible precaution to prevent the spread of the virus by educating staff, encouraging remote work, and providing sanitary products in our lobbies.

Financial Assistance:

Perhaps most important, we understand that during this short-term economic uncertainty, members may be facing periodic financial difficulties. We are a member-owned institution, our purpose is to serve you, our member, especially when you need it most. During this time, it is important to note the options available to you as a member to help navigate financial uncertainty.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE OPTIONS

Deposit Insurance:

Deposits held at FFCU are federally insured up to at least $250,000 by the NCUA and backed by the full faith of the Federal Government. While the virus will have a short-term impact on the economy, you deserve to be reminded that your hard earned money is safe with us. Click here for more information on the NCUA’s share insurance, and to calculate your coverage.  https://www.mycreditunion.gov/share-insurance 

 

Helpful Information and Resources for Those Impacted by COVID-19

There are also many local, state, and federal organizations working to provide relief, information, and resources and care to those affected. Please refer to the list at the bottom of the email, which is available on our website and will be updated frequently. Do you know an organization that should be added to this list? Let us know info@firstfcu.org

Staying Connected
Description Link
Village of Skokie – Civic Alerts https://www.skokie.org/CivicAlerts.aspx
Niles Township Government http://nilestownshipgov.com/
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/
City of Chicago https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.html
Office of the Governor of Illinois https://www2.illinois.gov/agencies/GOV
Economic Hardship
FFCU https://www.firstfcu.org/financial-hardship-options/
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) https://www2.illinois.gov/agencies/IDES
City of Chicago Rental Assistance Program https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/serv/svcs/how_to_find_rentalassistanceinchicago.html
Senior Citizen Viral Response Relief Program https://www.formyblock.org/viralresponse
Meals on Wheels Chicago https://www.mealsonwheelschicago.org/
SBA Disaster Loan for Small Business https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID19Chicago
Grants for Hospitality Workers https://anotherroundanotherrally.org/
Facebook Small Business Grants Program https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grant
James Beard Foundation Grants for Food & Beverage Operators https://www.jamesbeard.org/relief
Restaurant Workers Community Relief Fund https://rocunited.org/relief
USBG National Charity Foundation (For Service Industry Professionals) https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap
Restaurant Opportunities Center United Relief Fund Grants https://rocunited.org/relief/
One Fair Wage Emergency Relief Fund (Service Industry Workers) https://ofwemergencyfund.org/help
Greater Chicago Food Depository https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/
Emergency Relief for Artists and Artisans https://cerfplus.org/get-relief/apply-for-help/
Support for Individuals with Pets http://rescuechi.com/

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