Disaster & Emergency Assistance

Who helps the helpers? We do.

If a hurricane, fire, flood, or other disaster has turned your life upside down — CGMA is here. We offer interest-free loans and grants to help you evacuate, find temporary housing, replace essential belongings, and repair your home or vehicle. You don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out. Start with your situation, and we'll help you find the right program.

** WHAT'S NEW FOR 2026

As we enter the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, CGMA has updated its programs to better serve you. Here's what's new — and what it means for your family.

Disaster Food Loss Grant — No receipts required. If you lost food due to a named storm, a power outage lasting more than 24 hours, or a mandatory evacuation, you may receive a flat grant — no itemized list needed. - With dependents: $500. - No dependents: $250

Disaster Personal Property Grant — Increased to $2,500 If you lost essential household items, the maximum grant has been raised from $1,500 to $2,500. Generator fuel is now an authorized expense. Large appliances, generators, and BBQ grills may also be covered with CGMA Headquarters approval.

Disaster Home & Vehicle Repair Grant — Increased to $6,000 The maximum grant for home and vehicle repairs has been raised from $5,000 to $6,000. Coverage now includes fence repairs and debris removal in addition to structural, mechanical, and safety-related repairs. Vehicle repairs necessary for transportation are also covered.

CGMA is here to help you stabilize and achieve short-term recovery — not to replace every loss in full. Members are expected to utilize insurance and other available resources first. CGMA is not a substitute for insurance.

Coast Guardsmen and Civilian woman riding on a floating raft during a flood.

Amount

Varies by category

Type of Assistance

Interest-Free Loan

Grant

Eligibility

Active Duty

Auxiliary

Civilian Employees

PHS Officers and Chaplains

Reserves

Retired Military Personnel

Surviving Spouses

Need help?

Start with your local Representative.

There are more than 600 Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Representatives to help you.

How to Apply

Apply Online:

Or contact your CGMA Representative to start the process.

Immediate Loans — Up to $7,500

During evacuation or in the aftermath of a disaster, eligible members may borrow up to $7,500 interest-free to address urgent recovery needs. No payment is expected for the first 3 months, allowing time to determine grant eligibility. All applications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster. Disaster Assistance Loans may be considered for conversion to a grant based on demonstrated financial need; however, conversion is not guaranteed and CGMA Headquarters may require completion of a Budget Form (Form 15) to evaluate the request.

Grants

Food Loss Grant:

Up to $250 for members without dependents; up to $500 for members with dependents
No receipts required — issued as a flat grant based on household status
Covers perishable food loss from named storms, mandatory evacuation, or extended power outages lasting more than 24 hours

Personal Property Loss Grant:

Up to $2,500 for essential household items including clothing, linens, kitchen essentials, and furniture
Generator fuel is an authorized expense
Large appliances, generators, and BBQ grills may be covered with CGMA Headquarters approval
Receipts or itemized loss documentation required

Home or Vehicle Repair Grant:

For losses insured but not reimbursed
Up to $6,000
Vehicle damage requires the insurance settlement or insurance policy showing deductible and documented cost of repair or statement of total loss
Home damage requires documentation of repair cost and insurance settlement, which must include deductible information
Home Repair Grant covers structural repairs, critical systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), health and safety hazards, fence repairs, and debris removal
Home must be primary residence (occupied by owner)