Wanting to join NFCU but don't think I can

[SirMilo]

So I recently asked a question about why there was a significant difference between 1 of my 3 FICO8 scores. It likely comes down to a closed loan dropping from 1 report and several responders in that thread mentioned SSLs. I have been looking into that option and thinking that I might apply at NFCU for that need. 

Here is the situation: both of my grandfathers were in the Air Force and both are now deceased. My dad is also deceased as is his mother (my grandmother). I have no way to obtain documentation from my fathers side of the family since I have nothing more than my grandfathers name to work with and I am the only remaining living person from my fathers side except for my aunt. My aunt is still alive but is nuttier than a fruitcake and wouldn't be of any help on this matter. 

My mother is still alive but has no official service records for either of my grandfathers. My mother is checking with her siblings in an attempt to find at least one of the documents shown on the NFCU website. I have my grandfathers full name, birthdate, and birthplace. I know his last active duty and retirement ranks, and also where he was last stationed along with his retirement date. My mother also has the obituary which includes a bunch his service information. What I don't have is any official document as required by NFCU.

I am not trying to do anything dishonest or morally suspect but would simply like to obtain an SSL. I would like to join NFCU and should be able to, according to their requirements, but getting my hands on the necessary documents is turning out to be way more difficult than expected. I suppose what I am asking is whether I should even consider applying in this case? Obviously it would be best to wait until I have a document that NFCU requests before even applying but with the C19 issue, who knows how long it would be before I could even procure said paperwork from the vetrecs.archive.gov website. Maybe I should run over to the local branch and ask this question in person but I would be interested in your opinions if you would be kind enough to share them before I potentially waste my time. Thanks.

Let it be known that I am in Texas which also leads to the possibilty of dealing with SSFCU but I would prefer to deal with NFCU since there are better returns with savings and better rates on the SSL. I have a local NFCU branch 5 minutes away but it's a 90 minute drive to the closest SSFCU branch should I ever have an issue that needs to be resolved in person. 

[M_Smart007]

Call NFCU to see if you qualify to be a Member ..

1-888-842-6328

[AllZero]

+3

I think Navy's database can verify your eligibility until you get the DD 214 on hand.

https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Personal-Finance/DD214-Form-for-NFCU/td-p/5953377

[Anonymous]

You can call and apply over the phone. You'll need to provide his branch and rank. Then you can order a copy of his DD-214 by printing and mailing this form (online requests can only be done by next-of-kin). 

https://www.archives.gov/files/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf

Beware that the pandemic has the NPRC only fulfilling emergency requests right now so you may be waiting a good bit of time since they're projecting "several months" to work through the backlog they have once they reopen. 

They may not ever ask for it but if they do and you don't have it, they'll freeze your accounts until you can provide it. 

It may be worth the minor inconvenience to go with SSFCU for now since we don't know when this pandemic is going to be declared over. There's nothing preventing you from being a member of both (in fact, I'm a member of both). 

[AZ-Jeff]

You will need to be patient when requesting the DD214 form. I had to wait about a month and a half, and this was before the pandemic. The archives office was closed for three months this summer so I imagine the wait time is even longer. I bet if you can provide the information for the records request (and are not in a hurry), you can get the DD214 that NFCU requires.

[Anonymous]

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@AZ-Jeff wrote:

You will need to be patient when requesting the DD214 form. I had to wait about a month and a half, and this was before the pandemic. The archives office was closed for three months this summer so I imagine the wait time is even longer. I bet if you can provide the information for the records request (and are not in a hurry), you can get the DD214 that NFCU requires.

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The office is still only taking emergency requests according to the website. 

"Phased Reopening of National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NPRC was closed from March 23 through June 23, 2020. As of June 24, the NPRC entered into Phase One of a gradual reopening process. The center is currently only servicing emergency requests associated with medical treatments, burials, homeless veterans, VA Home loan guarantees, and employment opportunities."

[SirMilo]

Thanks for the response.

I just called and the rep said that I am eligible after only telling her that both deceased grandfathers served. She was ready to start the app but I declined for now and said I would call back when I was ready to proceed. I have read plenty of cases where people were eligible by answering a couple of simple questions and didn't have to submit info up front but may have to submit later on. It's the "later on" that concerns me. If no family member has my grandfathers records and his info was involved in "the fire", It will be quite awhile before I can have those in hand. My primary concern is, what happens if I apply and then NFCU requests official documentation before I have it available? I just don't want to do anything that could come back to haunt me, especially when it isn't necessary.

Perhaps I should have discussed my concerns with the rep but I didn't want to waste her time since an applicant with documentation on hand may have been waiting. 

[SirMilo]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Beware that the pandemic has the NPRC only fulfilling emergency requests right now so you may be waiting a good bit of time since they're projecting "several months" to work through the backlog they have once they reopen. 

They may not ever ask for it but if they do and you don't have it, they'll freeze your accounts until you can provide it. 

It may be worth the minor inconvenience to go with SSFCU for now since we don't know when this pandemic is going to be declared over. There's nothing preventing you from being a member of both (in fact, I'm a member of both). 

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I very much appreciate all responses.

Saeren's response actually covers my entire concern with what to expect should I be asked for documentation that I am unable to provide.

I am most definitely not willing to step out on a limb with $4-$5k on the line. I will just have to wait on this or choose to run with SSFCU.

Thanks everyone.

[AllZero]

Another alternative is NASA FCU for SSL as posted by @Anonymous 

https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Personal-Finance/The-Quest-for-an-SSL-alternative-to-Alliant/m-p/6152683/highlight/true#M208545

[Anonymous]

Your mileage may vary, but they were able to qualify/verify me through whatever online database they use. I never had to provide any documenation. Worth a shot.