In these challenging days for the national economy, we can relieve you of one potential concern, and that is the safety of New Castle County Delaware Employees Federal Credit Union and the money in your accounts here.

First, your accounts are backed by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), a fund maintained by the U.S. Treasury and administered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Federal insurance protects your money in share savings, share draft/checking, money market, share certificate, trust, and retirement accounts.

NCUA coverage is to credit unions as FDIC, or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, coverage is to banks. Both funds are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

And now, passage of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 increases NCUA coverage from $100,000 to $250,000. The increase is temporary, taking effect October 3, 2008 until December 31, 2009. Funds may be insured for even more than $250,000, depending on how you establish your accounts.

Second, New Castle County Delaware Employees Federal Credit Union operates with a safety net of capital that helps us weather temporary setbacks. And, we maintain an “allowance for loan losses.” This additional cushion anticipates losses when some members fail to repay loans.

Third, New Castle County Delaware Employees Federal Credit Union is examined regularly by NCUA to make sure we are engaging in safe and sound operations.