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FOMIA Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any system requirements in order to use NCUA’s Field of Membership
Internet Application (FOMIA)?
Yes. In order to use FOMIA your operating system should be Windows 98 or higher.
In addition, your browser should be Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher, which
may be downloaded from the FOMIA web page.
Do I need to download a certificate as I did in the past?
No. The enhanced system does not require a certificate to access (FOMIA).
Where are the instructions for using/accessing system?
Instructions for using and accessing the FOMIA can be found on the main FOMIA application
screen.
May all CUs use this system?
No. Only multiple common bond federally-chartered credit unions can use the FOMIA.
What do I do if I lose or forget my PIN?
Click on the “Get Pin” button on the main FOMIA login screen. Complete
the requested information and click send. Your regional office will provide you
with the PIN.
Can I use the system from more than one computer?
Yes.
I entered my CU and PIN in the Application Main Screen, but when I clicked continue
I got an error message. Why?
If the error message is about the PIN:
The PIN must be entered correctly and is case sensitive. The PIN consists of a capital
letter followed by six numbers and then a word beginning with a capital letter.
The PIN must be entered exactly the same way it appears in the letter you received
from NCUA.
(Suggestion: If you encounter any error message more than two or three times, try
exiting the FOMIA system and starting your internet session again.)
If the error message is about how the FCU is listed in the database:
NCUA’s type of membership code (charter type, i.e., multiple or single common
bond, or community) has prevented you from using the system; please contact your
regional office for assistance.
Why did my group come up as pending?
If a group is confirmed electronically as Pending, regional office review is necessary.
Do not resubmit the same group via the FOMIA. Possible reasons for Pending are:
• Review of the group’s proximity to the FCU’s nearest service
facility;
• Review of the FCU’s administrative capacity for FOM expansion;
• Review of the FCU’s net worth;
• Review of the associational group’s bylaws or other equivalent documentation,
or
• Quality control – NCUA will periodically review requests submitted
even though the expansion meets all of the standards for approval. This is part
of NCUA’s quality control process. If you are contacted by your regional office,
you should be prepared to submit, via fax or regular mail, a copy of the group’s
letter requesting service and any other requested documentation.
NCUA will review all Pending groups and send the FCU a letter indicating the action
taken for each group requested via the FOMIA, and a copy of Section 5 of the FCU’s
charter if requested. The credit union may not begin serving any group that is pending
until it receives an approval letter from the regional office.
The System says I’m approved; can I start serving the group?
If your FOMIA is confirmed electronically as Approved, you may begin serving the
group once your FCU’s board of directors adopts the FOM amendment. For this
purpose, the FCU may download the Board Resolution document posted on the main FOMIA
webpage.
How do I know if the regional office has processed my group?
You may check the History on the first screen after login. It shows whether the
group is approved or pending and if the request has been processed by NCUA.
Can I change a group once it has been submitted?
You may make changes to the group if you haven’t exited the system (still
in the application form or at the confirmation certificate). If you are at the Confirmation
Certificate, click on the modify button to go back and make changes to group(s)
you’ve entered into FOMIA. However, if you have already exited the system,
you must contact your regional office to make any changes.
Can I add both types of groups (occupational and associational) in the same internet
session?
Yes. If you are adding both occupational and associational groups during the same
session, all groups of the same type must be added prior to adding groups of a different
type. For example, if you are adding two occupational groups and two associational
groups, the two occupational groups must be added prior to changing forms to add
the two associational groups (or vice versa).
You will receive two separate confirmation certificates for each type of group you
are adding. Both of these confirmation certificates must be permanently retained
by the FCU.
Will the confirmation certificate(s) that’s generated at the end of entering
a group be e mailed to me?
No. You must print out the confirmation certificate(s) that you receive for the
group(s) you’ve added. The confirmation certificate(s) must be permanently
retained by the FCU.
Can I request my FOM be e-mailed to me?
You have the option of receiving your FOM via e-mail or regular mail. You must select
the desired method of delivery while you are in FOMIA. If you wish to receive your
FOM via e-mail, you must provide an e-mail address.
When I was entering my information for a group my system went down. Did it take
my group?
If you do not receive a confirmation number, the system has not accepted your FOM
expansion request. You will need to resubmit your request using the procedures outlined
in the instructions.