ASSISTANCE DURING THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Should a shutdown occur, Coast Guard military and civilian employees can expect help up to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) in their area for their dependency status to help cover high price tag expenses like rent, insurance, or day care that local support networks are not equipped to provide. Assistance will be in the form of an interest-free loan and members will be eligible to apply again once a month.

While CGMA is steadfast in its commitment to help, it is imperative to acknowledge the limited nature of its resources. CGMA's capacity to provide support is primarily contingent upon revenue generated from allotments, encompassing contributions and loan reimbursements. To donate to support Coast Guardsmen working without pay, visit www.cgmahq.org/give

Shutdown Assistance: Once a pay period has been missed, CGMA will provide financial assistance in the form of an interest-free loan equivalent to one-month’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on the military member's paygrade and region. GS civilian employees will be entitled to E-7 BAH, while Non-Appropriated Fund and Wage Grade (NAF/WG) employees will be entitled to E-5 military BAH.

1. Assistance applications should be submitted to your local CGMA Representative. To locate your nearest CGMA representative visit, Find Your Local Representative
 
2. To apply for a loan, applicants only need to complete CGMA Form 5. No additional documentation will be required to expedite the process and provide timely assistance to those in need.


3. Married personnel about to deploy should leave a completed CGMA Form 16 (Pre-Authorization Form) with their spouse.


4. During the shutdown, CGMA will exclusively provide loans; grants will not be considered.


5. Loan repayment will be expected within two months of the reinstatement of regular pay following the lapse.


6. Funds will be distributed electronically via Zelle; members should ensure their bank participates or sign up for the service. In the event Zelle is not an option, a check will be issued.


7. Members will be eligible to apply again after two lost pay periods (ie. one time per month)


8. Members expected to be Released From Active Duty (RELAD) within 30 days or those with discharge proceedings underway are not eligible for assistance


9. Members married to members are both eligible for assistance based on their dependent status.


10. CG Academy cadets would be eligible for amounts up to their typical monthly stipend.

Timing: The Coast Guard should provide pay at the end of September for all employees. Thus, the mid-October pay period will be when a need for assistance funds would be required.

Other CGMA Programs: CGMA has prioritized all programs to ensure the swift processing of shutdown loan requests. 

1. Applications for emergency situations including, emergency travel, Safe Harbor and Respite Care Programs will be processed as normal.   
 
2. Requests for storm assistance, vehicle repairs, rental and PCS assistance should be sent to CGMA HQ for consideration, but only if the situation is urgent and cannot wait until the conclusion of the shutdown period. Application must include a clear statement of the consequences if the loan is not made before the conclusion of the lapse period.


3. The following programs are suspended:  Adoption, Assisted Reproductive Services, Breast Milk Shipments, Child Care, Closing Costs, Debt Management, Education Loans/Grants, Special Needs Grant.

  Resources:

1. Credit Unions and Banks: Personnel are strongly encouraged to contact their banking institutions to see what programs they are offering personnel affected by the shutdown.
 
2. CG SUPRT is also available to help (1-855-247-8778) www.cgsuprt.com

  Contact Information:

Assistance applications should be submitted to your local CGMA Representative. To locate your nearest CGMA representative visit, Find Your Local Representative 
For additional information you may contact us at:
Phone: (703) 875-0404 or (800) 881-2462   Email: CGMA@cgmahq.org