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.