The National Mortgage Settlement was worked out with 5 big banks who engaged in some deceptive or unethical practices in issuing mortgages. The banks were required to assist borrowers in trouble with their mortgages and they would receive credits according to the deal terms for activities like refinancings and principal forgiveness.

Dear Yahoo Answers,

I read the 10-K of Wells Fargo & Company(2012,p.78).

But I can't understand the following sentences.

(1) What does the word ”earned credits” in the following sentence mean?

------------------------------------------------------------

In our February 14, 2013, submission to the Monitor of the National Mortgage Settlement, we reported $1.9 billion of earned credits toward our Consumer Relief commitment and $1.1 billion of earned credits toward our Refinance Program commitment.

------------------------------------------------------------

(2) What does the word ”receiving credit” in the following sentence mean?

------------------------------------------------------------

We have started receiving credit under the Refinance Program for activities taken on or after March 1, 2012.

------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you in advance for your time and effort.