Understanding the Low-Income Designation Requirements

A credit union can be designated low-income when a majority of the new credit union’s potential or actual membership qualifies as low-income. For more information about the benefits of this designation, definitions of low-income, how to qualify for the low-income designation (LID) as well as the methodologies used for submission and determinations see the Low-Income Credit Union Designation section of NCUA’s website.

A proposed federal credit union can seek a low-income designation prior to chartering. If a majority of the proposed federal credit union’s potential members are believed to be low-income members, you can request a LID when the preliminary field of membership approval is processed.

Note: If the potential members do not qualify for the designation when the proposed federal credit union’s application is submitted, a credit union can request a LID after chartering, based on actual members, as detailed in NCUA’s regulations, § 701.34, Designation of Low Income Status.

Last updated on March 30, 2026