Navy Federal and Single Stop Forge New Lifeline for 15 Million Members

NEW YORK and VIENNA, Va. – March 03, 2026 – Navy Federal Credit Union, the world's largest credit union, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with the nonprofit Single Stop, a move set to integrate social benefit screening technology directly into its services for over 15 million members. This collaboration, a first for Single Stop within the financial services sector, signals a significant evolution in how financial institutions perceive their role in member well-being.

Through the initiative, Navy Federal will leverage Single Stop's powerful platform to help its members—primarily composed of military personnel, veterans, and their families—identify and access critical public benefits and community resources. The goal is to provide a crucial safety net during times of financial hardship, moving beyond traditional banking to offer a more holistic support system.

A New Paradigm for Member Support

The partnership represents a pivotal step in an emerging trend where financial institutions are redefining their mission to encompass total financial wellness. For Navy Federal, this means supplementing its existing suite of financial education tools, such as the "Making Cents" platform and personalized counseling, with a direct link to tangible, immediate support.

"At Navy Federal, our mission has always been to serve those who serve, and that means supporting our members through every stage of their financial journey," said Pam Perry, senior vice president of the Office of Financial Opportunity at Navy Federal Credit Union. "Partnering with Single Stop allows us to connect our members to essential benefits and community resources that can make a meaningful difference during moments of financial strain."

This proactive approach marks a departure from a purely transactional relationship. Instead of only managing assets and loans, the credit union is now equipping itself to address the root causes of financial instability. By embedding Single Stop's technology, Navy Federal is enhancing its ability to promote long-term stability and economic mobility, acknowledging that financial health is inextricably linked to access to basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.

Industry analysts note that such collaborations are becoming a key differentiator, especially for credit unions whose member-centric philosophy aligns naturally with community impact initiatives. This move positions Navy Federal at the forefront of a movement that views social responsibility not as a peripheral activity, but as a core component of its service model.

A Lifeline for Military and Veteran Families

The potential impact of this partnership is most profound when viewed through the lens of Navy Federal's core membership. Military and veteran families face a unique and often intense set of financial challenges. Frequent relocations, spouse unemployment, and the complexities of transitioning to civilian life contribute to significant financial stress.

Recent data underscores this vulnerability. Studies have shown that over 80% of military and veteran families have reported financial stress in the past year, with more than half experiencing barriers to saving money. Shockingly, nearly 40% of veteran families have less than $500 in emergency savings. These pressures can lead to food insecurity, with a notable percentage of active-duty families having visited a food pantry.

This is precisely where the new partnership aims to intervene. Single Stop's technology screens for eligibility for up to 19 federal and state programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid, and housing assistance. By providing a simple, confidential way for members to check their eligibility, Navy Federal can help them tap into support systems that can alleviate immediate crises and build a bridge to greater stability.

For a family struggling to afford groceries or for a veteran navigating healthcare options, this tool can be a game-changer. It transforms a visit to the credit union's website or a conversation with a representative into a potential gateway for thousands of dollars in essential support, strengthening the resilience of a community that has served the nation.

The Technology Bridging the Gap

At the heart of this collaboration is Single Stop's proven and powerful technology. The nonprofit has a formidable track record, having already connected millions of Americans to billions of dollars in benefits. In fiscal year 2023 alone, the organization connected over 97,000 individuals to resources valued at more than half a billion dollars. On average, households connected through Single Stop find they are eligible for between $12,000 and $13,000 in annual support.

The platform's success lies in its ability to demystify and simplify a notoriously complex landscape of public benefits. It replaces confusing government websites and dense paperwork with a user-friendly, conversational screening tool that provides clear results and guidance on how to apply.

"This partnership represents an important step forward in how financial institutions can proactively support their members beyond traditional banking services," said Steven Williams, CEO of Single Stop. "By working with Navy Federal, we're making it easier for millions of people to understand what benefits and resources they qualify for and to take meaningful steps toward greater financial security."

By integrating this tool, Navy Federal is not just offering a referral; it is providing a direct, efficient, and scalable solution. The real-time data and analytics from the platform can also offer the credit union invaluable, anonymized insights into the needs of its members, allowing for the continuous refinement of its financial wellness programs.

The Power of Cross-Sector Collaboration

This alliance is more than just a new service offering; it is a powerful example of a strategic, cross-sector partnership designed for maximum social impact. It brings together the scale and trust of a major financial institution with the targeted expertise and technology of a mission-driven nonprofit. This synergy is central to the strategy of The Fedcap Group, Single Stop's parent organization, which is dedicated to advancing economic opportunity for communities facing barriers.

"We understand that financial stability is built when people have access to the right resources at the right time," explained Christine McMahon, CEO of Fedcap. "This collaboration with Navy Federal demonstrates how technology and cross-sector partnerships can come together to create real, measurable impact for individuals and families."

For nonprofits like Single Stop and The Fedcap Group, partnering with an entity like Navy Federal provides access to a vast, established network, dramatically scaling their ability to reach people in need. For Navy Federal, the partnership reinforces its brand promise and deepens its relationship with its members, proving that investing in member well-being is also a sound business strategy.

As financial institutions continue to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, this partnership between Navy Federal and Single Stop offers a compelling blueprint for the future—one where corporate strength and social purpose unite to build a more resilient and equitable economy for everyone.