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COVID-19 Information and Guidance 


 

For Banking

For Credit Union and Trust Supervision

For Non-Depository

For Consumers




Banking

Filings/Applications:

All checks should continue be sent to the Bureau of Bank Supervision through regular mail with the original filing. Electronic copies of the original filing and a copy of all applicable checks must be sent electronically to the following email addressRA-BNBankSupervision@pa.gov. General questions regarding filings should be addressed to Sheila Hughes at 717-783-8240 or email at sheihughes@pa.gov. You may also contact your assigned case managers for specific questions:
 
Examinations:

Questions regarding examinations should be directed to the assigned EIC, your Field Supervisor or Mary Rutkowski, Field Examinations Chief at 717-503-5574 and marutkowsk@pa.gov




Credit Union and Trust Supervision

Filings/Applications:

All checks should still be sent to the Bureau of Credit Union and Trust Supervision through regular mail with the original filing.  Electronic copies of the original filing and a copy of all applicable checks should be sent electronically to the following email address: RA-BNTRUSTSUPRVSNINQ@pa.gov. General questions regarding filings should be addressed to Angie Smith at (717) 783-2253 or email at angsmith@pa.gov.   




Non-Depository

Non-mortgage licensees and registrants:  The regulatory waivers extended under Act 14, permitting work from alternate site locations, whether licensed or not, expired on June 30, 2022.  Therefore, effective July 1, 2022, all activity requiring licensure, must be conducted at a licensed location in compliance with your regulatory act.

Mortgage licensees and registrants:  The Mortgage Licensing Act is included in Act 30, signed by Governor Wolf on June 30, 2022, which extended select regulatory waivers until October 31, 2022. Therefore, the Department of Banking and Securities will not take exception to mortgage licensees and registrants working from alternate site locations, whether licensed or not, until further notice.




Consumers

Important: The CARES Act includes provisions concerning reporting of information to Credit Report Agencies (Equifax, Experian, Trans Union), and non-negative reporting for workout arrangements between borrowers and lenders during the COVID-19 outbreak. This provision only extends to agreements between both parties and does not extend to any non-noticed, missed or delinquent payments.

It is vitally important that you proactively reach out to your lender/creditor to pursue an agreement or accommodation of your financial obligations and keep a record of any written accommodation (i.e. email, letter) received from the lender.

When pursuing an accommodation or alternative payment agreement, be sure to understand the terms and nature of the workout agreement. Forbearance of a debt is not debt forgiveness and you should inquire if interest will accrue.

Trouble Paying Your Mortgage?

PA Homeowner Assistance Fund 

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) administers the PA Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program to assist mortgage borrowers who meet eligibility requirements with their mortgage payments. Learn more at: https://pahaf.org/

Additional Resources:

Trouble Paying Rent?

Department of Human Services (DHS) Emergency Rental Assistance Program

On February 5, 2021, Governor Wolf signed S.B. 109 into law, which officially designated the Department of Human Services (DHS) as the agency overseeing administration of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for the 49 counties that did not receive direct allocations.

You can also contact a housing counseling agency toll-free 800.569.4287.
They can help point you in the right direction.

Additional Resources:

Trouble Paying Auto/Vehicle Loans?

If you are unable to make a loan payment for your automobile, contact your auto loan servicer, where you make scheduled payments, and ask for workout arrangements.

Trouble Paying Credit Cards?

If you have seen a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 and are struggling to make your credit card or loan payments, contact your lender right away. Explain your situation and ask about hardship programs that may be available. Regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions to work with customers impacted by the coronavirus.

Credit card companies and lenders may be able to offer you a number of options to help you. This could include waiving certain fees like overpayments and late fees, as well as allowing you to delay, adjust, or skip some payments.

Additional Resources: