Although there are a number of ways to determine if your credit union qualifies for low-income designation, probably the quickest way is by using zip codes to determine median household income. The following steps can be used  to guide you through the process once the median household income is obtained.

     Step 1.  Perform a zip code sort of credit union membership. Narrow
                  results to the fewest zip codes representing at least 50% of the
                  membership.
     Step 2.  Make a copy of these instructions.
    Step 3.  Open zip code file.
     Step 4. Identify the corresponding Median Household Income to the member(s) zip code. Determine if the majority of the credit union's membership zip codes correspond to a Median Household Income that falls below the NCUA's low-income MHI Standard of $33,595.
     Step 5.  Complete the attached worksheet in Ms Excel Format or PDF.

Review your resulting information to make sure that at least 50.1% of members reside within the qualifying zip codes. Then, using  the sample letter below, addressed to the appropriate regional director, submit this information along with supporting  documentation.

Sample Certification Letter
( PDF Version)