The new office is approved by the agency board at its closed meeting on March 19.

Advocates say regulations and laws are still hampering their efforts to help people.

"This new money puts a special focus on community banks and credit unions."

CUNA and others say Congress failed to define the payments as subject to preemption from garnishment.

CUNA and NAFCU officials are hopeful new legislation would give CUs the freedom to increase small business lending.

The trade groups suggest ways to make it easier for credit unions and other FIs to provide the loans.

In a letter to CUs, NCUA's Hood asks them "to consider this important opportunity to join the CLF" to help the system's access to liquidity.

While board members Harper and McWatters have made recommendations, Chairman Hood has not.