Governor and Lt. Governor meet with Social Security and lending institutions on COVID-19 response

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Category: News

Published: Thursday, 23 April 2020 23:48

Written by Bill Jaynes

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On Wednesday March 26, 2020 Governor Oliver and Lieutenant Governor Perman met with representatives from Pohnpei's banking and lending institutions and the FSM Social Security Administration. Each representative shared their institution's current measures being implemented in response to COVID-19 including limited services, decreased hours and loan deferments. Measures being taken are also in accordance with Pohnpei State’s Public Gathering Advisory issued on March 16, 2020.

Bank of FSM indicated that they will likely be offering a loan deferment program soon. Bank of Guam is already offering loan deferments for up to 3 months, Mesenieng Credit Union is offering a 30 day loan deferment and FSM Development Bank will be offering deferments to businesses and other customers directly affected by the current COVID-19 crisis. The FSM Social Security Administration informed the Governor and representatives that approximately 300 people will be receiving their social security checks on Monday, March 30, 2020. SSA is taking measures to comply with the State’s Public Gathering Advisory including allowing only three people at at time in their office to receive checks, setting up a tent outside and encouraging the elderly to send their authorized representatives to pick up their check. Given that the elderly population and people with co-morbidities are most vulnerable to the virus, the public is asked to please assist in sharing this information as widely as possible to help safeguard our elderly population. Please note: If you are making loan payments by allotment, it is your responsibility to stop the allotment with your employer, not the bank.