Federally chartered credit union can provide check cashing and ATM services to non members in the wake of natural disasters such as Hurricane Irene, according to an August 31 letter to credit unions.

“Under the long-recognized authority of FCUs to engage in charitable activities, FCUs can and should provide an appropriate range of emergency financial services, including check cashing for nonmembers, access to their ATM networks, or other means to cash, to meet the short-term, emergency needs of persons who are in the areas affected by Hurricane Irene,” the agency wrote, adding: “Because the Federal Credit Union Act generally limits FCUs to providing services to members, FCUs providing these emergency services must do so on a charitable basis, meaning that FCUs may not impose charges for services that exceed their direct costs.”

The agency also said federal credit unions could serve members of other credit unions during emergencies under their correspondent powers.