COVID-19 Update 4/17/2020

About Your Stimulus Check

You may have heard that the U.S. government is sending checks to help Americans manage the financial challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. People Driven Credit Union wants to help members manage this process by providing the following information.

In order to help Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic fallout, federal lawmakers have enacted a $2 trillion economic stimulus package, called the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act). Part of the CARES Act includes sending stimulus checks to Americans. These checks are one-time payments of up to $1,200 per person and $500 per minor child.

• An eligible single person would receive $1,200
• An eligible married couple would receive $2,400 ($1,200 each)
• An eligible family of four (two adults and two children) would receive $3,400

For more information, visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website on the CARES Act.

Who is Eligible for a Stimulus Check?

You qualify for a stimulus check if you file taxes and meet one of these qualifications:

• You’re single and make less than $75,000
• You’re married and together, you make less than $150,000

Senior citizens, railroad retirees, and those on Social Security are still eligible. If you don’t file taxes, the IRS will use your information on Form SSA-1099 or Form RSB-1099. The payments decrease proportionally after $75,000 and stop altogether for single workers making more than $99,000 ($198,000 for married workers and $218,000 for a family of four.)

Anyone who is categorized as a dependent (including many college students) will not qualify for a check.

What to Expect with Your Stimulus Check

The amount is based on your 2018 or 2019 tax filings. Your stimulus check will be paid using the method you used to receive a refund check or pay your taxes. If you received a refund via Direct Deposit, your stimulus check will be paid the same way. If you received a paper check, you’ll receive a paper stimulus check.

If you receive Social Security and don’t file a tax return, your check will be based on information provided by the Social Security Administration.

If you haven’t filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, the IRS recommends filing a 2018 return to receive payment as soon as possible.

Watch Out for Stimulus Check Scams

If you are contacted by anyone to fill out a form regarding your stimulus check or anyone asks you to provide an account number for your stimulus check, it’s likely fraud. Be aware of text messages, phone calls, or emails from those claiming to be the IRS. The IRS will not text, email, or call you about your stimulus check.

When Will You Receive Your Stimulus Check?

The IRS will begin making direct deposit payments in mid-April to people who have bank account information on file with the agency.

In May, the IRS will begin sending out paper checks, starting with people with the lowest income first. They plan to issue 5 million checks per week, which means that the final round of checks may not go out until September.

You’ve Got Your Stimulus Check. Now What?

Not sure if you’ve gotten your direct deposit yet? Here are ways you can check your balance quickly, whenever you need:

• Using Online Banking
• Using our Mobile Banking App
• Using our Mobile Check Deposit

If you’ve received your stimulus check via direct deposit, congratulations! Confirm the amount is correct. If there’s an error with your stimulus check, contact the IRS immediately.

Once the money’s in your account, start using it for what you need it.

People Driven Credit Union is here to help

People Driven Credit Union is here to help if you need assistance navigating the stimulus check process. If you would like assistance developing a plan on how best to use this resource, please call us at (248) 263-4100

Visit join Us to open a new account or contact at our Member Service Center at the number above.

The IRS will post all key information on IRS.gov/coronavirus as soon as it becomes

COVID-19 Update 4/15/2020

Cyber Security Interview We had a short interview with Brian Howell the Chief Information Officer about cyber-security during the pandemic. Watch Video

COVID-19 Update 4/3/2020

The Center for Disease Control revised its recommendations on the use of face masks over the weekend. The CDC is now recommending the use of a face mask to slow the spread of COVID-19 if you are in public places. As you may be aware,  there is a shortage of face masks in our state and therefore we have been challenged to procure masks.  The CDC does have recommendations on how to make your own masks which are outlined on their webpage.

Cloth face coverings should—

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to the shape

CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?

Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?

A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.

How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?

Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

COVID-19 Update 4/3/2020

People Driven Credit Union is not a SBA lender.

Credit unions are uniquely positioned to serve Michigan’s more than 850,000 small businesses. From job creation to product and service innovation, small business owners are a cornerstone of our state and economy. We are happy to recommend a credit union near you that can help. 

The recommended credit unions have access to financial support, guidance, and planning services are available to small business owners through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the CARES Act.  The CARES Act includes resources such as the Paycheck Protection Program, Loan Forgiveness, and Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan Grants to support small businesses (with fewer than 500 employees) through the current COVID-19 period of uncertainty.

As the SBA navigates an unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus outbreak, information is consistently being updated

COVID-19 Update 3/30

Q&A with Renee DeMarco CEO

• Drive-thru (to save time Print your deposit slip at home)
• Phone (248)263-4100
• Mobile banking and other online services

• Have your transaction slips filled out before getting to the window. (Download)
• Avoid the drive-thru completely by using our ATM for deposits, withdrawals and balance inquiries.
• Or use our online banking and mobile app. Remember you can deposit checks through our mobile app.

• Staff regularly disinfects surfaces throughout the day
• Actively following strong social distancing practices
• Educating staff, urging them to stay safe always

COVID-19 Update 3/23

What the Michigan shelter in place order means for our membership.

Dear People Driven Credit Union Family,

We find ourselves in extraordinary circumstances, coming together to ensure the health and safety of our families, neighbors, and members as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate.  The health and safety of our team and our members is our top priority.

The governor recently issued orders directing all non-essential businesses to close in an attempt to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.  Being a financial institution, People Driven Credit Union is considered an essential business.  As such we will remain open to service our membership during this crisis. We are considered an essential business and will remain open, we will continue to follow guidelines and recommendations from the CDC.

We will maintain normal drive-thru hours:

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Remember to use all of our digital options, including:

• Speak with us via phone (248) 263-4100
• Use one of nearly 30,000 CO-OP ATM’s nation-wide free of charge
• Use your debit and credit cards as usual
• Log in 24/7 to your account via personal computer or smartphone
• Deposit checks via remote deposit capture on your smartphone (Video) 

Along with our regular services, I want to remind you that your People Driven Credit Union funds are Federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

We will keep you posted on any new developments.

As always; Stay calm, stay safe, and most importantly, please stay home as much as you can!

Renee DeMarco

CEO & President

Lobbies Closed & Regular Drive-Thru Hours

Monday – Thursday 9 am – 5 pm

Friday 9 am – 6 pm

Saturday 9:30 am –  1 pm

COVID-19 Update 3/17

A message from the Board of Directors of People Driven Credit Union

March 17, 2020

Dear Valued Members,

This is an unprecedented time for all of us and we wanted to share with you the measures we are taking regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Your health and safety are our top priorities and at the heart of every decision, we make.  We believe it’s critical to do our part to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.  Here are some of the steps we are taking to protect everyone in this ever-evolving situation.

• Branch lobbies have been closed until further notice. Contact center and drive-thru hours have been expanded to ensure we are available to assist you when you need us.
• We have developed loan and payment assistance programs. You may be experiencing financial hardship, we are here to help. Our team is ready to create a plan with solutions to fit your situation.
• We are diligently following guidelines and best practices from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Across all of our branches, we have increased our daily cleaning routines, including more frequent hand washing, and sanitation of equipment.

For a number of weeks now, People Driven Credit Union has been following our business continuity plan to ensure that access to funds and services remains certain.  We have secure systems in place to allow essential functions to be performed remotely in order to avoid interruption to member services.  Your deposits are insured through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA); you can be confident that your money will always be here for you when you need it.

While the environment around us is uncertain, we take comfort in the fact that we have an exceptional team and a strong supportive community.  We remain prepared to serve and hope that our website, apps and social channels can be a source of support and solutions for you.  As always, we value your credit union membership and look forward to serving all of your financial needs.

Regards,

Renee DeMarco

President/CEO

Claudia Hunter

Board Chairperson

COVID-19 Update 3/13

People Driven Credit Union’s Continuity Measures

Locations