Congratulations To Our Latest Bank On Graduates!  

Come and join us in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment at our Virtual Bank On Graduation Ceremony on November 19, 2020 online.  Family and friends are invited to join the graduates as well.  See you there!!

Free Weekly Credit Reports - Equifax Data Breach Update

During these times of COVID-19, accessing your credit is important. That's why Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are now offering free weekly online reports through April 2021.   Click on the link below  to get your free reports for the week. 

https://www.annualcreditreport.com

Equifax Data Breach Settlement here is an update on some new benefits that consumers can possibly take advantage of whether or not they filed a claim with Equifax.  (for additional information log onto Equifax’s website)

In September of 2017, Equifax announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people. The company has agreed to a global settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and 50 U.S. states and territories. The settlement includes up to $425 million to help people affected by the data breach. 

The initial deadline to file a claim in the Equifax settlement was January 22, 2020.

After January 22, 2020, you can still file a claim for expenses you incur between January 23, 2020, and January 22, 2024, as a result of identity theft or fraud related to the breach, such as:

·         Losses from unauthorized charges to your accounts

·         Fees you paid to professionals, like accountants or attorneys, to help you recover from identity theft

·         Other expenses you incurred while recovering from identity theft, like notary fees, document shipping fees, postage, mileage, and phone charges.

You also can file a claim for the time you spent recovering from identity theft or fraud between January 23, 2020, and January 22, 2024. You can be compensated up to $25 per hour up to 20 hours. There are limited funds available so your claim may be reduced.

Even if you do not file a claim, you can get:

Free Help Recovering from Identity Theft

Once the court allows the start of this benefit, for a period of at least seven years, you will be able to get free identity restoration services if you discover misuse of your personal information. We will update this website when this benefit becomes available.

Free Credit Reports for All U.S. Consumers

All U.S. consumers can now get 6 free credit reports per year through 2026 by visiting the Equifax website or by calling 1-866-349-5191. That’s in addition to the one free Equifax report (plus your Experian and TransUnion reports) you can get at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Virginia Beach Eviction Prevention Assistance

VA 2-1-1 GET CONNECTED. GET ANSWERS

• This is an excerpt of some of the resources that are listed on Virginia 2-1-1.  For a more extensive list of services please  visit their website at    https://www.211virginia.org/consumer/index.php

• Child Care Resources: Child Care Aware of Virginia is a community-based network of child care and early education specialists. We deliver services to families, child care professionals and communities, working to increase the accessibility, availability and quality of child care in Virginia. To reach Child Care Aware of Virginia, families may complete searches online at vachildcare.com, email care@vachildcare.com or call 866-543-7852 (866-KIDS-TLC) www.vachildcare.com

• SNAP Benefits (Food Assistance): Households in need may apply for SNAP immediately. When applying, applicants must report their current anticipated income as of the application date. There is a question on the application to address recent job loss. Households must file an application for SNAP benefits with the Local Department of Social Services in the locality where the household resides. Households may file applications in person or online at www.commonhelp.virginia.gov

• Unemployment Resources: Beginning with claims effective March 15, 2020, Governor Northam has directed that the one week waiting period and the requirement to conduct a weekly job search both be suspended for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits. If you are a worker who has been totally or partially separated from your job due to Coronavirus, please note that no claim for unemployment insurance may be filed or processed until an actual lay off from employment has occurred, or until there has been an actual reduction in hours. When filing your claim for unemployment benefits, please be sure to check the reason for separation as Lack of Work/Lay off. If you will be filing because of a reduction in hours, you will not receive benefits unless your gross earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount. www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed

• TANF Benefits (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families): Families dealing with job loss or other impacts from COVID-19 have access to two types of TANF cash assistance that may help - Diversionary Assistance and TANF-Emergency Assistance. Diversionary Assistance (for families not currently receiving ongoing TANF assistance) Provides one-time assistance to families to pay for emergency needs, including food, basic needs, housing and utility expenses, medical expenses, transportation, etc. There must be a loss of income, reduction of income, or delay in receiving income. The family must include a dependent child and meet income and other requirements. TANF-Emergency Assistance (for families currently receiving ongoing TANF assistance) provides one-time assistance of up to $500 for families that have experienced a fire or natural disaster. Note: COVID-19 is considered a disaster. The family must include a dependent child and meet income and other requirements. Households may file applications at www.commonhelp.virginia.gov

• TAX SEASON: The IRS has announced that federal income tax filing due date has been extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Virginia income tax payments due between April 1, 2020, to June 1, 2020, will now be due on June 1, 2020. This includes individual and corporate income taxes paid to Virginia Tax. All income tax filing deadlines remain the same, including the May 1, 2020 individual income tax filing due date. Tax preparations services are available for low-to-middle income working individuals and families as well as for individuals and couples over age 60. SEARCH: Tax Prep Assistance to find a program or visit: www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volunteers

• Food Resources: The Federation of Virginia Food Banks has listings of local food pantries across Virginia. To find one near you, visit: www.vafoodbanks.org/covid-19-response/

• No Kid Hungry: Parents and families can find sites approved for meal service on the School Meal Finder website (this information is continually updated and additional details with their school division). Families can also text “food” or “comida” to 877-877 to learn more about food options near them. schoolmealfinder.hoonuit.com/?filter_state=va

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• CommonHelp: Virginia's convenient way to apply for healthcare coverage, food assistance, child care, heating/cooling assistance, and cash assistance. VISIT: commonhelp.virginia.gov

• Cover Virginia: Learn about Virginia’s Medicaid and FAMIS programs for children, pregnant women and adults. You can also get information about health insurance options available through the Federal Marketplace. www.coverva.org

• Virginia Easy Access: Special resources for seniors and people with disabilities. VISIT: easyaccess.virginia.gov

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE:

• Deaf and hard of hearing: Dial 7-1-1 for Virginia Relay then 1-800-230-6977.

• Out of state, using a videophone, or a disposable cell phone? 2-1-1 VIRGINIA can always be reached at 1-800-230-6977.

• Moving or visiting out of state? Need information outside Virginia? Visit: www.211.org