August 19, 2020 10:00 a.m.

Rogue Credit Union is one of eight Oregon credit unions helping to distribute emergency funds for the state of Oregon.

A release from the Northwest Credit Union Association said the Oregon Legislature approved $35 million to provide one-time $500 relief payments to residents facing extra hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The release said the state asked the private sector to help get the money into the hands of consumers who need it most.

Rogue President and CEO Gene Pelham said they are proud to help facilitate access to the funds. A release from Rogue said they are not accepting administrative fees from the state as they want to ensure that the money set aside helps as many Oregonians as possible.

To be eligible, a person must:

*Be a current resident of Oregon, age 18 and older

*Be able to prove their identity and that they are an in-state resident

*Attest that they are experiencing severe financial hardships directly or indirectly due the Governor’s Stay Home, Save-Lives executive orders

*Have earned $4,000 a month or less pre-tax prior to their income loss due to COVID-19

*Not have received all unemployment payments they are owed

Residents can apply in-person at any Rogue branch.