I just went into a NFCU branch this morning and qualified for membership through my grandfather (who died in 1983). He wasn't a NFCU member, but was retired Air Force at the time of his death. I brought in all the info I had on him and was approved for membership. Signed up for savings and checking and then they offered me a credit card and I was approved for $14,000. So yes, we granddaughters can get in~! 
I'm also in the Granddaughter club. Although I fully expect to have a request for verification of my membership since even though I asked I wasn't required to send anything in. Just patiently waiting and trying to gather what I can from a side of the family that doesn't really believe in sharing. Especially if it means you'll have something more than them. 
Yeah I have all the basic info like rank, branch, station and was even able to dig up some USS General J. C. Breckinridge muster rolls with his name on Ancestry .com. Just like you, I didn't have a problem joining but from these boards it feels like 75% of new accounts that don't link directly to a current or previous member are frozen for verification shortly after opening. I just want to be a step ahead of the security department. lol
Unfortunately a lot of bad information in this thread and I hope it works out for you guys but..
Veterans aren't eligible by the charter. They can't make exceptions as it is illegal. If your account gets audited expect closure.
Grandparents don't work directly. iIRC your parent (son/daughter of the grandparent) would need to join then sponsor you to join. I know there is debate on original Retired SM needing to be a member before anyone else is eligible (this is debated in the audit when the person is alive so being deceased will cause further issues).
The charter and eligibility guidelines aren't flexible they can't make exceptions as it would violate laws that govern credit unions.
That at being said keep your heads low if you are in a gray area too many apps will call attention to yourself. Good luck! 
@TheGardner wrote:Unfortunately a lot of bad information in this thread and I hope it works out for you guys but..
Veterans aren't eligible by the charter. They can't make exceptions as it is illegal. If your account gets audited expect closure.
Grandparents don't work directly. iIRC your parent (son/daughter of the grandparent) would need to join then sponsor you to join. I know there is debate on original Retired SM needing to be a member before anyone else is eligible (this is debated in the audit when the person is alive so being deceased will cause further issues).
The charter and eligibility guidelines aren't flexible they can't make exceptions as it would violate laws that govern credit unions.
That at being said keep your heads low if you are in a gray area too many apps will call attention to yourself. Good luck!
I'm most definitely not an expert on any of this, but this passage is directly from the NFCU website:
"FAMILY MEMBERS
including grandparents, parents, spouses, siblings, grandchildren, children (including adopted and stepchildren), and household members; Once your family members have joined, their family members are also eligible for membership."
My grandfather retired from the navy and from what I was told and read I'm eligible. That being said I have no interest in violating the law or having anything I'm not supposed to. If it's ever deemed I'm not eligible for membership I'm good with that and it won't be the end of the world.
@swtprncess281 wrote:
@TheGardner wrote:Unfortunately a lot of bad information in this thread and I hope it works out for you guys but..
Veterans aren't eligible by the charter. They can't make exceptions as it is illegal. If your account gets audited expect closure.
Grandparents don't work directly. iIRC your parent (son/daughter of the grandparent) would need to join then sponsor you to join. I know there is debate on original Retired SM needing to be a member before anyone else is eligible (this is debated in the audit when the person is alive so being deceased will cause further issues).
The charter and eligibility guidelines aren't flexible they can't make exceptions as it would violate laws that govern credit unions.
That at being said keep your heads low if you are in a gray area too many apps will call attention to yourself. Good luck!
I'm most definitely not an expert on any of this, but this passage is directly from the NFCU website:
"FAMILY MEMBERS
including grandparents, parents, spouses, siblings, grandchildren, children (including adopted and stepchildren), and household members; Once your family members have joined, their family members are also eligible for membership."My grandfather retired from the navy and from what I was told and read I'm eligible. That being said I have no interest in violating the law or having anything I'm not supposed to. If it's ever deemed I'm not eligible for membership I'm good with that and it won't be the end of the world.
** my uncle was the original sponsor so he joined - Aunt joined - mom joined for my eligibility.
This is was my confusion. So uncles don't work as stated above grandparent obviously does. Glad I tossed the IIRC statement in there 
When I joined parents had to join for my eligibility which is why I stated the chain. But unfortunately that statement does say the original sponsor needs to be a member.
Just to be clear, I am not saying what anyone did is "wrong" or anything like that.. I did point out why the CU cares as they will be the ones fined for violations which is why they audit membership in the first place. I'm a veteran and wasn't happy I had to ask others to join just so I could ( NFCU didn't accept all branched until 2008 after I got out!).
Was just trying to help others with the keep your heads down statement.