COVID-19 Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
First County Bank is here to support our customers that have been economically impacted by COVID-19. In this time of need, First County Bank is committed to providing financial flexibility to the individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations that we proudly serve.
Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
The programs and initiatives provided in the CARES Act and by the Small Business Administration (SBA) are intended to assist business owners with needs that have arisen as a result of the national impact from COVID-19.
On December 21, 2020 Congress passed a COVID-19 Relief Bill with $284 billion in additional Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding for businesses. While the Bill has not yet been enacted into law and requires the President’s signature, First County Bank plans to participate in this second round of the Paycheck Protection Program to continue helping businesses in our community. We are currently reviewing the details of the Bill, monitoring the Bill’s status and awaiting guidance from the SBA on the details for implementation of the program. Please check our website periodically as we will provide updated information as we receive it.
As of December 1, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) was ordered to release public data about Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Specifically, borrowers' names, addresses, loan amounts and lenders have been publicized.
Please be aware that third parties that are NOT affiliated with First County Bank may attempt to use this data to market to you or even to commit fraud. Any communications regarding your PPP loan and the forgiveness process will come directly from First County Bank. Please do not share your personal or private financial information if solicited by phone or email unless you are absolutely sure of the integrity of the source. If you have any doubts about the authenticity or purpose of PPP Program related messages, please contact your Loan Officer, or call Business Banking immediately at 203-462-4855.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Information
First County Bank is now ready to accept your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application electronically, through our secure online portal. We will not be accepting paper applications. In order to access the application in the portal, you will need to have these three (3) pieces of identifying information:
- Your SBA Loan Number
- Your Tax ID or EIN# that was used on your PPP Loan Application
- The loan amount you received
Please also make sure that you have the supporting documentation for payroll and non-payroll costs to upload into the portal. Detailed step-by-step instructions are available in the portal. We strongly recommend that you consult with your CPA and/or payroll service provider for assistance.
For customers that received PPP loans less than or equal to $50,000, please choose the streamlined application path in the portal, using SBA FORM 3508S. There will be a question that prompts you: "Would you like to complete the 3508S version of the forgiveness application?" Please answer: "Yes".
To access the secure portal, click here.
To view the SBA's PPP Loan Forgiveness Fact Sheet, click here.
Once we receive your completed Loan Forgiveness Application, First County Bank has 60 days to review the completed application and supporting documents and submit our decision to the SBA. The SBA then has 90 days to approve the forgiveness amount. We will continue to monitor changes in the guidance from both the SBA and the U.S. Treasury, and will incorporate changes as appropriate to the Forgiveness Application process.
If you do not have your SBA Loan Number, please contact our CustomerFirst Contact Center at 203-462-4400, your Business Banker, or the Business Banking Customer Service line at 203-462-4855, and we will provide your SBA Loan Number.
For additional information and resources on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), visit the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury website and the SBA website.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Emergency Economic Injury Grants are programs offered by the SBA. An EIDL can help you to meet your broader emergency funding needs. An Emergency Economic Injury Grant can provide a quick infusion of cash (up to $10,000). To access these programs and apply directly with the SBA, click here.
For more information view The Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act.
Loans
Residential Mortgage and Consumer Loan Customers
You may be eligible for various types of loan payment assistance, including loan payment deferrals, without a negative impact on your credit report. If you experience difficulty in making your loan payment for a COVID-19 related issue, please contact our CustomerFirst Contact Center during regular business hours at 203-462-4400 or send an email to sag@firstcountybank.com.
Business Loan Customers
If you have questions about your business loan payments contact your Loan Officer or send an email to businessbanking@firstcountybank.com with your preferred contact information.
For almost 170 years, First County Bank has proudly supported the communities where we live and work. We will continue this commitment as we work to keep our employees, customers and communities safe in this challenging environment.
Should you have any questions, please contact the CustomerFirst Contact Center during regular business hours at 203-462-4400, or call the number listed on our branch location page to speak directly with your local branch.
